7. Chapter Buzzer

In this chapter, we will learn about buzzers that can make sounds.

7.1. Project Doorbell

We will make this kind of doorbell: when the button is pressed, the buzzer sounds; and when the button is released, the buzzer stops sounding.

7.1.1. Component List

ESP32-S3 WROOM x1		GPIO Extension Board x1
Breadboard x1
NPN transistorx1 (S8050)	Resistor 1kΩ x1		Jumper M/M x6
Resistor 10kΩ x2	Push button x1		Active buzzer x1

7.1.2. Component knowledge

7.1.2.1. Buzzer

Buzzer is a sounding component, which is widely used in electronic devices such as calculator, electronic warning clock and alarm. Buzzer has two types: active and passive. Active buzzer has oscillator inside, which will sound as long as it is supplied with power. Passive buzzer requires external oscillator signal (generally use PWM with different frequency) to make a sound.

Active buzzer is easy to use. Generally, it can only make a specific frequency of sound. Passive buzzer requires an external circuit to make a sound, but it can be controlled to make a sound with different frequency. The resonant frequency of the passive buzzer is 2kHz, which means the passive buzzer is loudest when its resonant frequency is 2kHz.

Next, we will use an active buzzer to make a doorbell and a passive buzzer to make an alarm.

How to identify active and passive buzzer?

1. Usually, there is a label on the surface of active buzzer covering the vocal hole, but this is not an absolute judgment method.

2. Active buzzers are more complex than passive buzzers in their manufacture. There are many circuits and crystal oscillator elements inside active buzzers; all of this is usually protected with a waterproof coating (and a housing) exposing only its pins from the underside. On the other hand, passive buzzers do not have protective coatings on their underside. From the pin holes viewing of a passive buzzer, you can see the circuit board, coils, and a permanent magnet (all or any combination of these components depending on the model.

7.1.2.2. Transistor

Because the buzzer requires such large current that GPIO of ESP32-S3 output capability cannot meet the requirement, a transistor of NPN type is needed here to amplify the current.

Transistor, the full name: semiconductor transistor, is a semiconductor device that controls current. Transistor can be used to amplify weak signal, or works as a switch. It has three electrodes(PINs): base (b), collector (c) and emitter (e). When there is current passing between “be”, “ce” will allow several-fold current (transistor magnification) pass, at this point, transistor works in the amplifying area. When current between “be” exceeds a certain value, “ce” will not allow current to increase any longer, at this point, transistor works in the saturation area. Transistor has two types as shown below: PNP and NPN.

In our kit, the PNP transistor is marked with 8550, and the NPN transistor is marked with 8050.

Based on the transistor’s characteristics, it is often used as a switch in digital circuits. As micro-controller’s capacity to output current is very weak, we will use transistor to amplify current and drive large-current components.

When use NPN transistor to drive buzzer, we often adopt the following method. If GPIO outputs high level, current will flow through R1, the transistor will get conducted, and the buzzer will sound. If GPIO outputs low level, no current flows through R1, the transistor will not be conducted, and buzzer will not sound.

When use PNP transistor to drive buzzer, we often adopt the following method. If GPIO outputs low level, current will flow through R1, the transistor will get conducted, and the buzzer will sound. If GPIO outputs high level, no current flows through R1, the transistor will not be conducted, and buzzer will not sound.

NPN transistor to drive buzzer	PNP transistor to drive buzzer

Note

in this circuit, the power supply for buzzer is 5V, and pull-up resistor of the button connected to the power 3.3V. The buzzer can work when connected to power 3.3V, but it will reduce the loudness.

7.1.3. Code

In this project, a buzzer will be controlled by a push button switch. When the button switch is pressed, the buzzer sounds and when the button is released, the buzzer stops. It is analogous to our earlier project that controlled an LED ON and OFF.

Move the program folder “Freenove_Ultimate_Starter_Kit_for_ESP32_S3/Python/Python_Codes” to disk(D) in advance with the path of “D:/Micropython_Codes”.

Open “Thonny”, click “This computer” -> “D:” -> “Micropython_Codes” -> “Doorbell” and double click “Doorbell.py”.

7.1.3.1. 07.1_Doorbell

Click “Run current script”, press the push button switch and the buzzer will sound. Release the push button switch and the buzzer will stop.

The following is the program code:

from machine import Pin

button=Pin(21,Pin.IN,Pin.PULL_UP)
activeBuzzer=Pin(14,Pin.OUT)

activeBuzzer.value(0)

while True:
    if not button.value():
        activeBuzzer.value(1)
    else:
        activeBuzzer.value(0)

The code is logically the same as using button to control LED.

7.2. Project Alertor

Next, we will use a passive buzzer to make an alarm.

Component list and the circuit is similar to the last section. In the Doorbell circuit only the active buzzer needs to be replaced with a passive buzzer.

7.2.1. Code

In this project, the buzzer alarm is controlled by the button. Press the button, then buzzer sounds. If you release the button, the buzzer will stop sounding. In the logic, it is the same as using button to control LED. In the control method, passive buzzer requires PWM of certain frequency to sound.

Open “Thonny”, click “This computer” -> “D:” -> “Micropython_Codes” -> “Alertor”, and double click “Alertor.py”.

7.2.1.1. Alertor

Click “Run current script”, press the button, then alarm sounds. And when the button is release, the alarm will stop sounding.

The following is the program code:

from machine import Pin,PWM
import math
import time

PI=3.14
button=Pin(21,Pin.IN,Pin.PULL_UP)
passiveBuzzer=PWM(Pin(14),2000)

def alert():
    for x in range(0,36):
        sinVal=math.sin(x*10*PI/180)
        toneVal=2000+int(sinVal*500)
        passiveBuzzer.freq(toneVal)
        time.sleep_ms(10)
try:
    while True:
        if not button.value():
            passiveBuzzer.init()
            alert()   
        else:
            passiveBuzzer.deinit()
except:
    passiveBuzzer.deinit()

Import PWM, Pin, math and time modules.

from machine import Pin,PWM
import math
import time

Define the pins of the button and passive buzzer.

PI=3.14
button=Pin(21,Pin.IN,Pin.PULL_UP)
passiveBuzzer=PWM(Pin(14),2000)

Call sin function of math module to generate the frequency data of the passive buzzer.

def alert():
    for x in range(0,36):
        sinVal=math.sin(x*10*PI/180)
        toneVal=2000+int(sinVal*500)
        passiveBuzzer.freq(toneVal)
        time.sleep_ms(10)

When not using PWM, please turn it OFF in time.

passiveBuzzer.deinit()

7.2.1.2. Reference

double ledcWriteTone(uint8_t channel, double freq);

This updates the tone frequency value on the given channel.

This function has some bugs in the current version (V1.0.4): when the call interval is less than 20ms, the resulting PWM will have an exception. We will get in touch with the authorities to solve this problem and give solutions in the following two projects.