The model CXP42160CL150-24V-2800-F piezoelectric/ceramic buzzer from Changzhou Cxsound has 2.8±0.5kHz oscillating frequency and 95dB minimum SPL at rated voltage and 30cm.

The mature line stays buoyant despite competition with smaller electromagnetic counterparts and microspeakers.

China suppliers of piezoelectric ceramic buzzers continue to bank on product advantages while sustaining initiatives to keep the mature category dynamic amid rival lines. They leverage the audio signaling device’s greater SPL and rated frequency, wider operating voltage and lower current consumption than electromagnetic counterparts with characteristic smaller footprint. The latter type is typically used in portable applications. Makers are confident lower prices will also help buoy the line, which is expected to maintain 5 percent annual sales growth in coming years. A few target a higher rate by end-2014. Changzhou FHD Electronics Co. Ltd, for instance, aims to boost revenue by 20 to 30 percent.

Manufacturers emphasize the component’s key purpose as an audio alert, which finds broad use in home appliances, and safety and security products. They are also positioning the product for other terminal markets, including automotive and medical electronics, demand from which is projected to grow about 30 percent annually. Companies such as Changzhou FHD will release more models for the first segment. The supplier has secured TS 16949 certification for this bid.

To broaden application base, China enterprises continue to pursue miniaturization. They offer up to 11x9mm traditional kinds. In SMD types, manufacturers have realized units with
10mm diameter and 3mm height, and can achieve 1.7mm profiles.

Some will steadily boost production of the latter variant. Changzhou FHD is raising it to 30 percent from 20 percent of output by year-end. At Changzhou Cxsound Electronic Co. Ltd, SMD models already have about 60 percent share. For suppliers such as Dongguan Shengqun Electroacoustic Tech. Co. Ltd, these will remain a small category, representing less than 10 percent of yield. Overall, SMD units account for less than 50 percent of local piezoelectric ceramic buzzer turnout.

China is the largest manufacturing base for the line, generating more than 60 percent of global volume. It exports about 60 percent of production, mainly to Europe and North America.

About 200 suppliers constitute the pool. All also offer electromagnetic kinds. Changzhou FHD specializes in piezoelectric ceramic variants, which account for about 60 percent of output. At Changzhou Cxsound and Dongguan Shenggun, the category’s share is 30 to 40 percent.

Nearly half of the companies gather in the province of Guangdong. Others are based in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.

Typical selection

Piezoelectric ceramic buzzers from China makers are widely adopted in communication products, computers and peripherals, alarms, timers, electric toys, automotive electronics and other sound devices.

The line is categorized by mounting and drive method. Based on the first, the options are DIP, wire and SMD configurations. Large units include screw kinds as well.

By the second classification, there are self- and external-drive types. The former, integrating a drive circuit, can produce sound when connected to a direct current, making it easier to incorporate in designs than the second variant. Self-drive buzzers’ fixed frequency, however, reduces product flexibility to applications requiring a different setting. In contrast, external-drive units running on a square wave signal support a user-selected frequency.

Releases have a diameter ranging from 10 to 50mm, and height of 1.7 to 50mm. They have a 2 to 6kHz resonant frequency, and 85 to 120dB SPL at rated voltage and 10cm. Products support 3 to 250V operating voltage, with mainstream versions running on 9 to 24V, and 5 to 20mA current consumption.

Suppliers stress customization capability, accommodating buyers’ specifications on the drive method, resonant frequency, SPL, operating voltage, current consumption, connection and dimensions.

Companies use piezoelectric elements composed of ceramic and a brass or stainless steel plate. They adopt ABS, polyphenylene oxide, liquid crystal polymer or PBT for the housing, and tin-plated brass for the terminals. The materials come mostly from domestic providers.

Prices are expected to remain stable this year owing to a similar trend in material costs. Quotes may increase by 5 percent if labor expenditure and yuan valuation continue to climb.

Related report:
Microspeakers: Manufacturers emphasize traditional compact forms

Product gallery

Changzhou Cxsound Electronic Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: CXP42160CL150-24V-2800-F
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Fast pulse tone; 2.8±0.5kHz oscillating frequency; 95dB minimum SPL at rated voltage, 30cm; 24VDC rated, 3 to 28VDC operating voltage; 20mA maximum current at rated voltage; -20 to 60 C operating, -30 to 70 C storage temperatures; ABS housing; 42mm diameter, 16mm height; 13.4g; RoHS

Changzhou FHD Electronics Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: BPC1475-0540
MOQ: 2,000 units
Delivery: 7 days
Price: $0.25
Description: Continuous tone; 4kHz±500Hz frequency; 85dB minimum sound output at 5VDC, 10cm; 5VDC rated, 4 to 8VDC operating voltage; 10mA maximum rated current at 5VDC; -20 to 70 C operating, -30 to 80 C storage temperatures; polyphenylene oxide housing; 13.8mm diameter, 7.5mm height; 1.3g; RoHS

Dongguan Shengqun Electroacoustic Tech. Co. Ltd
(Mainland China)

Model: YD-SQ406142-01
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: Constant tone; 3.4±0.5Hz oscillating frequency; 95dB minimum SPL at rated voltage, 30cm; 9VDC rated, 5 to 15VDC operating voltage; 15mA maximum current; -20 to 70 C operating temperature; 40.6mm diameter, 14.2mm height; 8g

Marquess Co. Ltd
(Taiwan)

Model: LPT1735W-X
Description: 4kHz frequency; ≥85dBA SPL at 9Vp-p, 10cm; 15nF capacitance; 16.5mm diameter, 3.3mm height