Buzzers - sound generators

In this category of our Botland electronics store, we present both simple sound pickups and more advanced buzzers. The latter are equipped with generators and modular tone generators. The choice of the right solution for the designed device is dictated by many factors. They mainly include: the type of application, the amount of space available in the housing, as well as the characteristics and the required volume of the signaling. Check out the products below and scroll down for more information!

A simple sound converter or a buzzer with a generator – what to choose?

If we decided that we need a sound signaling device, then that's not all. You then have to choose which device will work best.

In terms of construction, the simplest device will be acoustic signaling in the form of a piezo transducer (sometimes so-called ‘plates’) or a passive buzzer in the housing. Passive buzzers available differ in the way they operate. Piezo transducers convert the alternating voltage into distortions of the piezoelectric material. The result of this process is the generation of a sound wave. In turn, acoustic electromagnetic buzzers use the principle of operation of a classic electrodynamics’ loudspeaker.

Regardless of the design, all passive buzzers require alternating voltage to operate. It can be produced by a microcontroller or any sound generator system. If we decide to use a passive buzzer and control with a microcontroller, we should only remember that microprocessors have a limited current output capacity. Moreover, using an appropriate electronic system, it is possible to both control the sound frequency and modulate the sound amplitude. The sound generator (buzzer) is one of the elements that will be 100% useful when creating various types of electronic projects - both intermediate and professional ones.

Acoustic buzzers – what should you know about them?

The buzzer with the generator significantly simplifies the use of the converter in the built circuit. This is due to the design and technical possibilities. The housing of the active buzzer houses a simple, highly miniaturized alternating voltage generator. Thanks to this, in order to activate this type of buzzer, it is enough to apply DC voltage. The voltage value should be within the range given in the technical specification of a specific model.

The undoubted advantage of such devices is that they enable control without the need to generate an alternating waveform. Due to the fact that we have no influence on the amplitude of the alternating signal generated by the buzzer, in this type of element the possibility of modulating the amplitude is limited to simply switching the buzzer on and off. In most applications, however, this is completely sufficient, because with the help of a very simple code or system, you can program the buzzer to work exactly as you want.

Buzzers – basic and more advanced devices

There are many types of buzzers. First of all, we can distinguish passive and active buzzers. These devices are available both as single pieces and as complex modules. The latter make it possible to conveniently screw the buzzer anywhere in a given component. The connection is most often done with classic goldpins.

For semi-professional and fully professional applications, e.g. advanced applications, the tone generator is the perfect choice. The system can not only work as a classic buzzer, but also allows you to control the amplitude of the sound and its pitch. So it is suitable for playing simple melodies. In this case, the pitch is controlled by a PWM signal.