ActuatorsQUICK REFERENCE
Buzzer
Choose the right signal for active buzzers and passive sounders.
01Identify the type
- Active
- Contains an oscillator. Rated DC power produces a fixed tone.
- Passive
- Needs an alternating signal; frequency controls pitch.
- Polarity
- Observe +/− markings where present; module pin order varies.
02Drive safely
- Small piezo
- May be GPIO-driven if its current and voltage requirements fit the MCU limits.
- Higher current
- Use a transistor/MOSFET driver and external rated supply with common ground.
- Magnetic type
- An inductive sounder may require flyback protection; follow its datasheet.
03Arduino example
- Tone
- tone(8, 2000, 150); produces a 2 kHz tone for 150 ms on a passive sounder.
- Stop
- noTone(8);
- Active module
- Switch its enable or supply driver. Check whether the input is active-low.