Buzzer for Arduino: Generate tones

Buzzers are used in Arduino microelectronics and other platforms to generate tones or melodies. They are often used as signal generators. In buzzers for Arduino, we distinguish between two forms: active speakers ("active buzzers") and passive speakers ("passive buzzers").

The difference between active and passive buzzers

Active speakers like the Piezo Speaker produce only a single tone. This means that no melodies can be produced with them. Active buzzers produce a tone at about 2 kHz using an internal oscillator. The main difference to the passive buzzer is that the active buzzer produces a tone on its own - by applying a voltage.

Passive buzzers, on the other hand, require a signal source that sets the parameters of the sound signal. This signal is provided by an Arduino microcontroller via PWM signal, for example.