8541.60.00.20 - Not exceeding 1 MHz, except 32.768 kHz

This HTS category, 8541.60.00.20, specifically classifies mounted piezoelectric crystals, primarily quartz, designed for operating frequencies that are *not exceeding 1 megahertz (MHz)*, with the exclusion of those operating at precisely 32.768 kHz. These components are fundamental in electronic circuits, acting as oscillators to generate stable and accurate timing signals. They are crucial for a wide array of electronic devices where precise frequency generation is required, such as in older digital watches, basic microcontrollers, and various timing circuits.

The distinction between this category and its siblings lies solely in the specified operating frequency range. While 8541.60.00.10 covers crystals operating at exactly 32.768 kHz (a very common frequency for real-time clocks), this category encompasses a broader range of lower frequencies up to, but not including, 1 MHz. Other sibling categories address higher frequency crystals, such as those exceeding 1 MHz up to 5 MHz (8541.60.00.30), and even higher ranges beyond 20 MHz. Therefore, the determining factor for classification here is the crystal's designated operating frequency falling within the specified window.

As this classification represents a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification under 8541.60.00.20 is definitive once the mounted piezoelectric crystal is identified as operating within the defined frequency parameters (excluding 32.768 kHz and not exceeding 1 MHz) and meets the broader criteria for mounted piezoelectric crystals outlined in the preceding parent categories. Practical identification relies on the manufacturer's specifications regarding the crystal's intended operating frequency.