1.2.1 Active Buzzer¶

Introduction¶

In this project, we will learn how to drive an active buzzer to beep with a PNP transistor.

Required Components¶

In this project, we need the following components.

It’s definitely convenient to buy a whole kit, here’s the link:

Name	ITEMS IN THIS KIT	LINK
Raphael Kit	337	Raphael Kit

You can also buy them separately from the links below.

COMPONENT INTRODUCTION	PURCHASE LINK
GPIO Extension Board	BUY
Breadboard	BUY
Jumper Wires	BUY
Resistor	BUY
Buzzer	-
Transistor	BUY

Schematic Diagram¶

In this experiment, an active buzzer, a PNP transistor and a 1k resistor are used between the base of the transistor and GPIO to protect the transistor. When the GPIO17 of Raspberry Pi output is supplied with low level (0V) by programming, the transistor will conduct because of current saturation and the buzzer will make sounds. But when high level is supplied to the IO of Raspberry Pi, the transistor will be cut off and the buzzer will not make sounds.

Experimental Procedures¶

Step 1: Build the circuit. (The active buzzer has a white table sticker on the surface and a black back.)

Step 2: Open the code file.

cd ~/raphael-kit/c/1.2.1/

Step 3: Compile the code.

gcc 1.2.1_ActiveBuzzer.c -lwiringPi

Step 4: Run the executable file above.

sudo ./a.out

The code run, the buzzer beeps.

Note

If it does not work after running, or there is an error prompt: "wiringPi.h: No such file or directory", please refer to Install and Check the WiringPi.

Code

#include <wiringPi.h>
#include <stdio.h>

#define BeepPin 0
int main(void){
    if(wiringPiSetup() == -1){ //when initialize wiring failed, print messageto screen
        printf("setup wiringPi failed !");
        return 1;
    }

    pinMode(BeepPin, OUTPUT);   //set GPIO0 output
    while(1){
        //beep on
        printf("Buzzer on\n");
        digitalWrite(BeepPin, LOW);
        delay(100);
        printf("Buzzer off\n");
        //beep off
        digitalWrite(BeepPin, HIGH);
        delay(100);
    }
    return 0;
}

Code Explanation

digitalWrite(BeepPin, LOW);

We use an active buzzer in this experiment, so it will make sound automatically when connecting to the direct current. This sketch is to set the I/O port as low level (0V), thus to manage the transistor and make the buzzer beep.

digitalWrite(BeepPin, HIGH);

To set the I/O port as high level(3.3V), thus the transistor is not energized and the buzzer doesn’t beep.