8541.60.00 - Mounted piezoelectric crystals

HTS code 8541.60.00 specifically classifies mounted piezoelectric crystals. These are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical vibrations and vice-versa, utilizing the piezoelectric effect of certain materials. They are typically manufactured by attaching piezoelectric elements (such as quartz or ceramics) to electrodes and housing them within a protective casing for integration into electronic circuits.

This classification distinguishes itself from other semiconductor devices within heading 8541. For instance, sibling categories include diodes (8541.10.00), transistors, thyristors, diacs, and triacs (8541.30.00), all of which have distinct semiconductor functions beyond the electro-mechanical transduction of piezoelectric crystals. It also differs from photosensitive semiconductor devices and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are light-related components, and from general "other semiconductor devices" which encompass a broader range of semiconductor technologies.

The subcategories under 8541.60.00 further refine the classification based on the operating frequency of the quartz used. This allows for granular categorization, likely for statistical tracking or specific regulatory purposes. The ".80 Other" designation indicates that there are other, more specific sub-classifications for quartz crystals operating at particular frequencies, while this code captures mounted piezoelectric crystals that do not fall into those more specific frequency-based subdivisions, or those utilizing materials other than quartz.