Electric Bells and Buzzers

Bells

Electric bells are electromagnetic devices with contacts arranged so that once the coil is energized the armature is attracted to it and the circuit is broken.

Once broken the coil is de-energized and the armature springs back to complete the circuit once more.

Each time the armature is attracted to the coil the hammer strikes the bell. This continues in an oscillatory manner until the power is switched off.

Bells normally work on low voltage typically 6 volts. Bells create a distinct ringing sound and can be used as outputs for alarm circuits.

Buzzers

At their simplest, electro-mechanical buzzers Buzzers can be similar but without the hammer and bell and the 'buzzing' created by the vibrating relay contacts - amplified by being attached to a sounding board of some form.

Most commercially available Buzzers however, cause an electro-magnet to vibrate a metal disc or plate by supplying it with an oscillating current. Direct Current (D.C.) Buzzers require a drive circuit to provide this, which is usually built into the device.

Buzzers are usually of the single tone variety in the lower frequency ranges and are normally rated between 6 and 24 volts. They are suitable for alarm circuits, test equipment, timing and control.

To achieve maximum sound output from the device it should be firmly mounted.

Bells and Buzzers in a Transistor Circuit

When a voltage is applied to the terminals of the bell or buzzer, they emit sounds suitable for alarm circuits and warning applications. To ensure maximum sound output, the bell or buzzer should be firmly mounted.

The purpose of the IN4001 Diode shown is to restrict any Back EMF resulting from the Transistor being used to switch an inductive device (e.g. Electric Motor, Solenoid or Relay).

Piezo Transducer

When an electric current is passed through some ceramic or crystal materials (e.g. quartz) the Crystalline Structure expands slighty. If a piece of such a Piezoelectric Electric material is Laminated to a thin metal plate, or diaphragm, its expansion will cause the diaphragm to distort slightly. When excited by an oscillating current, it will vibrate the diaphragm and a high frequency sound will be emitted - see Piezo Transducer.

When used in Direct Current (D.C.) applications they too require a drive circuit to provide an oscillating current. This can be built into the device but is often provided separately. A suitable Oscillator circuit for both electro-mechanical and Piezo transducers is to use a 555 Timer configured in Astable mode as shown.

This forms the basis of the Piezoelectric Buzzers or speakers which are commonly used in electronic devices and are sometimes used as Tweeters in less-expensive speaker systems. They can operate over a wide voltage (e.g. 3 to 250V), less than 30mA current consumption and produce a higher rated frequency.

DT Online Buyers' Guide

Intermittent Buzzer Beep DC3-24V	Active Buzzer Beep DC 3-24V	Miniature Buzzer 3V	Mini Music Loudspeaker 29mm	4pcs 57mm Loudspeaker 8 ohm 1watt	Piezo Transducers with Flying Lead 20mm	27mm Piezo Element	3V Piezo Buzzer Continuous Sound	Stereo Earbuds with Mic and Volume Control