What You Should Know About How to Choose Buzzer

The buzzer is a kind of integrated structure of the electronic component, which is widely used in computers, printers, copiers, alarms, electronic toys, automotive electronics, telephones, timers, and other electronic products as a sound generator.

There are mainly two types of buzzers, electromagnetic buzzers, and piezoelectric buzzers.

The sound generation principle of the buzzer is composed of a vibration device and a resonance device. The buzzer is divided into external drive type and drive circuit built-in type.

It is important to know some parameters like voltage, frequency dimensions, and mounting method, etc. when you choose the buzzer.

Today we will talk about what you should know when choosing the buzzer.

Dimensions

The size of the buzzer affects the volume and frequency. The smallest electromagnetic type ranges from 7mm to the largest 25mm, and the piezoelectric type ranges from 12mm to 50mm or more.

Operating Voltage

An electromagnetic buzzer from 1.5 to 24V, piezoelectric from 3V to 220V is feasible. Generally, piezoelectric is still recommended to have a voltage of 9V or more to get a larger sound.

Current Consumption

There are different types of electromagnetic buzzers in different voltages, from tens to hundreds of milliamps are available. The piezoelectric type is much more power-saving.

Driving Type

Both active magnetic buzzers and active piezo buzzers are self-excited and can be sounded as long as they are connected to direct current (DC) because the driving circuit is already built into the buzzer. The electromagnetic buzzer has to be driven by 1/2 square wave and the piezoelectric one by square wave to having a better sound output.

Sound Pressure

The buzzer test standard is 10cm distance. When the distance doubled, about 6dB will be attenuated. On the contrary, vice versa, the distance shortened by 6dB. An electromagnetic buzzer can reach about 85dB/10cm level. Piezoelectric can do very loud. That’s why most of the common sirens are usually made of piezoelectric buzzers.

Mounting Methods

Generally, there are pin (DIP), solder wire, SMD,  and mounting screw methods.

In conclusion, you need to know the above parameters in order to get the most suitable buzzer for your design.