What Is a Buzzer?
A Buzzer is a device or mechanism used for warnings and notifications.
Primarily employed to emit sound and attract attention, Buzzers are also available in products utilizing light or vibration. In cases of sudden emergencies or dangerous situations, Buzzers can effectively and rapidly alert people. Quick responses are crucial in emergencies, and Buzzers play a significant role in achieving this.
Furthermore, Buzzers can convey information without the need for complex language or text. Especially when using sound or light, Buzzers provide both visual and auditory information, serving as an easily understandable means of notification. Due to their typically high volume and accompanied light, they are less likely to be overlooked, making them ideal for drawing the attention of large crowds.
However, Buzzers with high frequencies or loud volumes may potentially cause surrounding noise, especially in quiet environments or residential areas. Therefore, attention must be given to choosing an appropriate volume and frequency of use.
Uses of Buzzers
Common applications of Buzzers include the following:
1. Emergency Alerts
Fire alarms detect smoke or heat during a fire and emit high-pitched Buzzer sounds to warn residents and occupants of the building. These are commonly used in conjunction with smoke detectors and heat sensors. Additionally, abnormal situations such as unauthorized entry or theft in a room or building can trigger warnings through means like noise or flashing lights. Sensors detect anomalies and activate alarms.
2. Sports
In basketball games, Buzzers are used to notify the end of the game or the expiration of the attack time limit. Buzzers are also frequently used for announcements in sports like baseball.
3. Industrial and Manufacturing
In production lines and factory settings, Buzzers are used to indicate the start or completion of specific tasks. Workers can proceed to the next step by hearing the Buzzer sound. This helps reduce workload and streamline processes. Buzzers are also used to detect abnormalities in machinery and equipment, issuing warnings to operators. Automatic alerts for abnormal situations enable early troubleshooting of production issues.
Principles of Buzzers
Buzzers are electronic devices that generate sound through the interaction of resonance and vibration. The basic structure of a Buzzer consists of a vibrating element and a driving circuit.
The vibrating element is usually a thin metal or plastic plate, selected to effectively transmit sound waves. When driven, this element vibrates, creating sound waves in the air. The driving circuit controls the current that induces vibration in the vibrating element. This circuit receives a current of the appropriate frequency to generate consistent vibrations, often utilizing an oscillator circuit to generate a steady oscillation.
The driving frequency and the material of the vibrating element influence the characteristics of the sound produced. By utilizing the interaction between the vibrating element and the driving circuit, Buzzers can generate various sounds.
How to Choose a Buzzer
When selecting a Buzzer, several important factors should be considered:
1. Technology, Structure, and Comparison
There are Piezo Buzzers and Magnetic Buzzers for acoustic applications. Although they serve the same purpose, there are some differences.
Magnetic Buzzers consist of a magnet and coil and operate through electromagnetic induction.
Piezo Buzzers use a capacitive disc (piezoelectric ceramic) that undergoes mechanical strain when voltage is applied.
2. Driving Circuit
Buzzers can be Indicator Buzzers with built-in driving circuits or Transducer Buzzers that operate externally. Indicator Buzzers offer plug-and-play functionality, while Transducer Buzzers allow the setting of the emitted frequency and are smaller in size due to the absence of a driving circuit.
3. Rated Voltage
Buzzers operate within a specific voltage range. It is crucial to select the rated voltage that matches the power source and driving circuit voltage. Exceeding the rated voltage may lead to degradation and affect proper operation.
4. Mounting Method
Various mounting methods, such as surface mount or through-hole mount, are available. Choosing the appropriate mounting method based on the substrate and application is essential.
5. Shape
The shape of the Buzzer should be chosen to fit the application and installation space. Selecting a shape suitable for the installation location and aesthetic design is crucial.
6. Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
The sound pressure level of a Buzzer indicates the volume of the emitted sound. Depending on the environment and application, a high sound pressure level may be required. SPL is measured in decibels (dB), where a larger value indicates a louder sound.