Magnetic buzzers: Magnetic buzzers have smaller frequency ranges and SPL values and lower resonant frequencies than piezo buzzers. Piezo buzzers also have higher operating voltages and lower current requirements. Piezo buzzers: Piezo buzzers have larger frequency ranges and SPL values, as well as a high resonant frequency. First to consider are the electrical and physical parameters of each buzzer type. Below is a summary of the specs for each buzzer type: magnetic buzzers for a given application, it’s essential to consider all specifications. As a result, piezo buzzers tend to have a wider range of usable frequencies than magnetic buzzers. Generally speaking, piezo buzzers tend to exhibit a more linear relationship between the input frequency and output audio power, while magnetic buzzers tend to have a less linear relationship. This is usually expressed by plotting the SPL vs. The SPL value, will vary depending on how far away from the buzzer the measurement is taken.įrequency response: Frequency response is a measurement of how efficiently a buzzer can produce sound energy at a given frequency. It is typically expressed in pascals or decibels and is proportional to the input voltage. Sound pressure level: The sound pressure level (SPL) is the deviation from atmospheric pressure caused by a soundwave. Piezo buzzers tend to have a higher resonant frequency when compared to magnetic buzzers. By driving a material at its resonant frequency, the material will produce the loudest sound with the least input power. This specific frequency is called the resonant frequency. Resonant frequency: Every material has a specific frequency at which it tends to vibrate - for example, the G-string on a properly tuned guitar will vibrate at the frequency of a G-note when plucked. The sound specification for each type of buzzer must also be taken into account and are briefly discussed below-īefore diving into details, we must first define some core concepts:

As discussed previously, magnetic buzzers operate at lower voltages and higher currents than piezo buzzers, but this is not the only thing to consider. When needing to decide between a magnetic buzzer or a piezo buzzer, the choice often comes down to the key specifications of each buzzer type as well as any drive circuit limitations in situ.

Piezo buzzer current consumption