Top 10 Buzzer Brand & Manufacturers

What is a Buzzer?

A buzzer is an electronic device capable of emitting audio signals. It mainly consists of components such as an oscillator, an electromagnetic coil (in electromagnetic buzzers), a piezoelectric ceramic sheet (in piezoelectric buzzers), and a resonant cavity. When an appropriate electrical signal is input, the buzzer will generate mechanical vibrations and then produce sound. The sound frequency is usually within the audible range and is used for reminders, alarms, or as a simple audio signal output device.

History of the Buzzer

• The origin of the buzzer can be traced back to the early stage of the development of electronic technology. As electronic circuits gradually matured, people began to need simple sound-generating devices for signal prompts. The initial buzzer designs were relatively simple, mainly based on the electromagnetic principle, using electromagnetic coils and vibrating diaphragms to generate sound.
• With the discovery and application of piezoelectric materials, piezoelectric buzzers came into being. Compared with the early electromagnetic buzzers, piezoelectric buzzers have certain advantages in terms of volume and power consumption, which has further expanded the application range of buzzers and enabled them to better meet the needs of different scenarios.
• In the development process of modern electronic equipment, the performance of buzzers has been continuously optimized. For example, in some applications with high requirements for sound quality and volume control, the design of buzzers is more precise, enabling them to emit clearer and more stable sounds, and different timbres and volume adjustments can be achieved through different circuit control methods.

Applications of the Buzzer

• Alarm Function: In security systems, the buzzer is a key alarm device. For example, in fire alarms and anti-theft alarms, when abnormal situations (such as smoke, illegal intrusion) are detected, the system will trigger the buzzer to emit a high-decibel alarm sound to remind people of dangerous situations.
• Prompt and Feedback: In various electronic devices, buzzers are used to provide operation feedback. For instance, on an electronic watch, when you press the buttons to set the time or the alarm clock, the buzzer will emit a short "beep" sound to indicate that the operation has been received. In household appliances such as microwave ovens and washing machines, buzzers are also used to remind users that the operation is completed or an error has occurred.
• Electronic Toys and Games: Buzzers are common sound-generating components in electronic toys. In toy cars, toy guns, and other toys, buzzers can simulate various sounds, such as the horn sound of a car, the sound of gunshots, etc., increasing the fun of toys. In some simple electronic game devices, buzzers are also used to emit game sound effects to enhance the gaming experience of players.
• Industrial Control and Detection: In industrial environments, buzzers are used for device status prompts and fault alarms. For example, when machinery and equipment fails, parameters exceed the normal range, or the production process is abnormal, the buzzer will emit an alarm sound so that staff can discover and handle problems in a timely manner.

Principle of the Buzzer

• Principle of Electromagnetic Buzzer: The electromagnetic buzzer mainly consists of an oscillator, an electromagnetic coil, and a vibrating diaphragm. When current passes through the electromagnetic coil, a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field will attract the armature connected to the vibrating diaphragm, causing the diaphragm to move towards the coil. When the current direction changes or is interrupted, the magnetic field disappears, and the diaphragm returns to its original position under its own elasticity. In this way, as the current changes periodically, the diaphragm will continue to vibrate, thus generating sound.
• Principle of Piezoelectric Buzzer: The piezoelectric buzzer utilizes the piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. When a voltage is applied across the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, the sheet will deform. When the polarity of the voltage alternates, the ceramic sheet will generate periodic expansion and contraction vibrations. After being amplified by the resonant cavity, these vibrations form the sound we hear.

Features of the Buzzer

• Simple Structure: The buzzer has a relatively simple structure. Whether it is an electromagnetic buzzer or a piezoelectric buzzer, the number of its main components is small, which makes its production cost low and easy to install and maintain. In the mass production of electronic equipment, the simple structure also helps to improve production efficiency.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Small Size: The buzzer is usually small in size and can be easily integrated into various electronic devices without occupying too much space. This enables it to be widely used in small electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smart watches, etc.) and application scenarios with strict space requirements (such as industrial control equipment with a compact circuit board layout).
• Low Power Consumption: Generally, the buzzer consumes relatively low power when working. This is very important for battery-powered electronic devices (such as portable electronic products), as it can effectively extend the battery life and reduce energy consumption.
• Adjustable Sound Frequency and Volume (Partially): Some advanced buzzers or through specific circuit control can adjust the sound frequency and volume. In this way, different tones of sound can be generated or the volume can be adjusted according to different application requirements to achieve the best prompting or alarming effect.

Types of the Buzzer

• Electromagnetic Buzzer: The sound generation principle of this type of buzzer is based on electromagnetic induction and mechanical vibration. Its sound is usually relatively loud and deep, suitable for alarm occasions that require high volume, such as alarms in security systems. Its frequency range is relatively narrow, generally between several hundred hertz and several thousand hertz.
• Piezoelectric Buzzer: It generates sound relying on the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric ceramics. Its volume can be made smaller, and its power consumption is relatively low. The piezoelectric buzzer has a wider frequency range and can produce various sounds with different frequencies, which is suitable for applications with requirements for sound frequency, such as sound effect simulation in electronic toys and simple music playback.
• Active Buzzer and Passive Buzzer: The active buzzer has an internal oscillator. As long as it is connected to a suitable DC power supply, it can emit sound. The passive buzzer requires an external oscillation signal to generate sound, which makes it more flexible in controlling the sound frequency. The sound frequency can be adjusted by changing the frequency of the external oscillation signal.

Precautions for Using the Buzzer

• Voltage Adaptation: Ensure that the voltage supplied to the buzzer meets its rated voltage requirements. If the voltage is too high, it may damage the buzzer; if the voltage is too low, the sound may become weaker or the buzzer may not be able to emit sound normally. When connecting the buzzer to the power supply, it is necessary to carefully check the voltage parameters in the product manual.
• Current Limitation: Some buzzers have certain limitations on the working current. If the current passing through the buzzer is too large, it may cause overheating or even damage. When designing the circuit, it is necessary to select appropriate current-limiting resistors or other current control measures according to the rated current of the buzzer.
• Installation Direction and Position: For some buzzers with a resonant cavity structure, the installation direction and position may affect the sound propagation effect. During installation, pay attention to placing the buzzer correctly according to the product instructions to avoid the sound being blocked or weakened. For example, in some closed equipment enclosures, appropriate sound holes should be reserved to ensure that the sound can be effectively propagated.
• Waterproof and Dustproof: If the buzzer is used outdoors or in environments with high humidity and a lot of dust, its waterproof and dustproof performance should be considered. Some buzzers may need additional protective measures, such as using sealant, waterproof covers, etc., to prevent water and dust from entering the interior and affecting their normal operation.

Considerations for Purchasing a Buzzer

• Application Scenario Requirements: First, it is necessary to clarify the usage scenario and functional requirements of the buzzer. For example, if it is used for an alarm system, you may need to choose a buzzer with a loud volume and a sharp sound; if it is used for operation feedback of electronic devices, you may pay more attention to the clarity and softness of the sound. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider whether functions such as sound frequency and volume adjustment are required.
• Type Selection: Select between electromagnetic and piezoelectric buzzers or between active and passive buzzers according to application requirements. For example, for portable devices with strict requirements for volume and low power consumption, piezoelectric and passive buzzers may be a better choice; while for occasions requiring high-volume alarms, electromagnetic active buzzers may be more suitable.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Performance Parameters: Pay attention to the sound frequency range, volume level (usually measured in decibels), rated voltage, and current of the buzzer. These parameters should match the electrical and sound requirements of the application scenario to ensure that the buzzer can work normally and achieve the expected effect.
• Cost and Quality: Consider the price and quality of the buzzer. Buzzers with a lower price may have deficiencies in performance and durability, while high-quality buzzers, although more expensive, can provide more stable performance and a longer service life. It is necessary to find a proper balance between cost and quality and make a selection according to actual needs and budget.
• Brand and After-Sales Support: Choosing a well-known brand of buzzer usually can obtain better quality assurance and after-sales support. If problems occur during use, good after-sales support can provide solutions in a timely manner and reduce losses. You can refer to the evaluations and recommendations of other users to choose a reliable brand.

Terms of the Buzzer

• Rated Voltage: The voltage value required for the buzzer to work normally. Exceeding this voltage range may affect the performance of the buzzer or cause damage.
• Rated Current: The maximum current allowed to pass through the buzzer when it works under the rated voltage. It is used to determine current-limiting measures when designing circuits to prevent the buzzer from being damaged due to excessive current.
• Sound Frequency: The vibration frequency of the buzzer when it emits sound, with the unit of hertz (Hz). Sounds with different frequencies have different pitches to human ears, and the frequency range determines the types of pitches that the buzzer can emit.
• Volume (Decibel): A physical quantity used to measure the loudness of the buzzer's sound, with the unit of decibel (dB). The higher the decibel value, the louder the sound.
• Piezoelectric Effect: In a piezoelectric buzzer, the piezoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon that certain materials (such as piezoelectric ceramics) will deform when subjected to pressure or an electric field, or will generate an electric field when deformed. It is the physical basis for the piezoelectric buzzer to generate sound.