Buzzer

For other uses, see Buzzer (disambiguation).

A buzzer or beeper is an audio signalling device, which may be mechanical, electromechanical, or piezoelectric. Typical uses of buzzers and beepers include alarm devices, timers and confirmation of user input such as a mouse click or keystroke.

Mechanical

A joy buzzer is an example of a purely mechanical buzzer.

Electromechanical

Early devices were based on an electromechanical system identical to an electric bell without the metal gong. Similarly, a relay may be connected to interrupt its own actuating current, causing the contacts to buzz. Often these units were anchored to a wall or ceiling to use it as a sounding board. The word "buzzer" comes from the rasping noise that electromechanical buzzers made.

Piezoelectric

Piezoelectric disk beeper

A piezoelectric element may be driven by an oscillating electronic circuit or other audio signal source, driven with a piezoelectric audio amplifier. Sounds commonly used to indicate that a button has been pressed are a click, a ring or a beep.

Uses

• Annunciator panels
• Electronic metronomes
• Game shows
• Microwave ovens and other household appliances
• Sporting events such as basketball games
• Electrical alarms

See also

• Alarm clock
• Alarm management
• Klaxon
• Vibrator (mechanical)
• Electric bell