CT9W502 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The CT9W502 is a 5 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer manufactured by Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components. This cermet-based trimmer features 18 turns of adjustment with top-access control and PC pin termination, designed for precision applications requiring manual tuning in compact rectangular form factors.

The CT9W502 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for legacy systems utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

CT9W502

Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC ComponentsIn Stock: 867CT9W502 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-9EW502

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 6556CT-9EW502 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

3296W-1-502

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 15493296W-1-502 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the CT9W502 are identified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching. The following criteria determine substitution eligibility:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Resistance value: 5 kOhms (exact match required)
• Power rating: 0.5W / 1/2W (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±10% (exact match required)
• Temperature coefficient: ±100ppm/°C (exact match required)
• Adjustment type: Top Adjustment (exact match required)
• Resistive material: Cermet (exact match required)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Termination style: PC Pins (exact match required)

Secondary Considerations:

• Number of turns (18 turns preferred; variations acceptable if all primary criteria met)
• Physical dimensions (minor variations acceptable within component class)
• Product status and compliance certifications

Two substitute parts meet the established criteria for the CT9W502.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CT-9EW502 (Direct Substitute - Nidec Components Corporation)

The CT-9EW502 provides the most direct substitution path for the obsolete CT9W502. This part maintains identical electrical specifications, physical dimensions, and mechanical configuration. The CT-9EW502 is currently in active production status with 6464 units available in inventory. The component achieves RoHS3 compliance, offering improved environmental and regulatory alignment compared to the original part. Selection of the CT-9EW502 is appropriate for applications where component availability and regulatory compliance are priorities.

3296W-1-502 (MFR Recommended - Bourns Inc.)

The 3296W-1-502 represents the manufacturer-recommended alternative from Bourns Inc. This part matches all primary electrical parameters and maintains the same termination and mounting configuration. The primary distinction is the increased number of turns (25 turns versus 18 turns), which provides finer adjustment resolution. Physical dimensions show minor variation (0.375" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.217"), remaining within acceptable tolerances for through-hole PCB mounting. The 3296W-1-502 is actively produced with 1487 units in stock. This option is suitable for applications where enhanced adjustment precision is beneficial and minor dimensional variation is accommodated by board layout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CT-9EW502 be used as a direct replacement for the CT9W502?

A: Yes. The CT-9EW502 maintains identical electrical specifications (5 kOhms, 0.5W, ±10% tolerance, ±100ppm/°C), identical physical dimensions, and identical mechanical configuration including 18-turn adjustment and PC pin termination. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary difference between the CT-9EW502 and the 3296W-1-502?

A: Both parts meet all primary electrical and mechanical criteria. The 3296W-1-502 features 25 turns of adjustment compared to 18 turns, providing finer tuning resolution. Physical dimensions differ slightly (0.375" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.217"), which may require board layout verification depending on mounting constraints.

Q: Does the increased turn count of the 3296W-1-502 affect circuit performance?

A: The increased turn count affects adjustment resolution only. Electrical performance parameters—resistance value, power rating, tolerance, and temperature coefficient—remain identical. The 3296W-1-502 provides the same final resistance value with more granular control steps.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance differences between these substitutes?

A: Yes. The CT-9EW502 is RoHS3 compliant. The CT9W502 and 3296W-1-502 are both RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS requirements should specify the CT-9EW502.

Q: Do the physical dimension differences between parts affect PCB mounting?

A: The CT-9EW502 maintains identical dimensions to the original CT9W502 (0.378" x 0.217"). The 3296W-1-502 dimensions (0.375" x 0.190") represent minor variation within standard through-hole component tolerances. PCB layout verification is recommended if the 3296W-1-502 is selected for existing designs.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: Selection depends on design requirements. For direct replacement with improved compliance, select the CT-9EW502. For applications requiring finer adjustment resolution, select the 3296W-1-502, subject to PCB layout accommodation of minor dimensional variation.