LilyPad Buzzer

SKU: FA1033-2
Component Type

Piezoelectric Buzzer
Output Type

Audible Tone/Beep
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC
Resonant Frequency

Approx. 2.5 kHz to 4.5 kHz (typical range for piezo buzzers)
Sound Level

Varies based on input voltage and frequency (typically moderate volume)
Dimensions

Approx. 20mm (0.8") diameter
Connections

2 Sew Tabs (+, -)
LilyPad Buzzer

The LilyPad Buzzer is a simple yet effective output component designed specifically for e-textile and wearable technology projects. It uses a small, piezo-electric speaker (piezo buzzer) to generate tones, beeps, and simple musical notes when connected to a LilyPad-compatible microcontroller.
The board’s sewable design and low power consumption make it an ideal tool for adding auditory feedback to smart garments, interactive costumes, or textile art installations, catering to both creative hobbyists and professional developers in the wearable tech industry.
Description
Add sound to your sewable circuits with the LilyPad Buzzer. This tiny, lightweight, circular board integrates a robust piezo-electric buzzer that can produce sounds ranging from a quiet beep to simple melodies. Unlike traditional speakers that require complex amplifier circuits, this simple piezo element can be driven directly by the digital I/O pins of your LilyPad or Arduino board.
Following the core design principles of the LilyPad system, the board features large, flat “sew tabs” labeled with ‘+’ and ‘−’ indicators. These tabs replace conventional pins and are engineered for reliable, low-profile connections using conductive thread, turning your stitching into functional wiring.
The buzzer operates effectively within the standard LilyPad voltage range of 3.3V to 5V. By using the tone() function in the Arduino IDE, you can easily control the frequency and duration of the sound produced by the buzzer. The flat-backed design ensures comfort when integrated into clothing, and the entire component is resilient enough for use in hand-washable projects (with power sources removed).
Whether you need a simple alarm for a posture-monitoring shirt or a series of musical notes for an interactive jacket, the LilyPad Buzzer offers a straightforward auditory solution.
Features
  • Auditory Feedback: Generates tones, beeps, and simple melodies using a piezo-electric element.
  • Simple Interface: Operates with just two connections: Power (+) and Ground/Signal (−).
  • Wearable Form Factor: Small, lightweight, circular design optimized for integration into fabric.
  • Sewable Connections: Features large “sew tabs” designed specifically for use with conductive thread.
  • Low Power Consumption: Efficient design suitable for battery-powered wearable applications.
  • Arduino Compatible: Easily controlled using the standard Arduino tone() library functions.
  • Durable: Hand-washable design for practical use in clothing (remove power supply before washing).
Usage
The LilyPad Buzzer is used to add sound and musical interaction to e-textile projects:
  1. Audible Alerts: Create alarms for sensor-based projects, such as a reminder to stand up straight in a smart vest or an alert when a light level changes.
  2. Musical Instruments: Sew a simple fabric piano or drum pad that plays different notes when pressure sensors are triggered.
  3. Interactive Costumes: Add sound effects that trigger during movement or specific interactions within a costume design.
  4. Haptic/Audio Feedback: Provide simple “button pressed” audio confirmation for interactive projects.
Q: Is the LilyPad Buzzer a speaker or a buzzer? What is the difference?

It is a piezo buzzer. This means it can produce various tones (frequencies) when driven correctly by a microcontroller pin using functions like tone(). It cannot play complex audio waveforms or music files like a traditional magnetic speaker can, but it is much simpler to use and requires less power.

Q: Do I need a special driver circuit or resistor to use this?

No. The LilyPad Buzzer is designed to be connected directly to the digital I/O pins of your LilyPad board. No extra resistors or transistors are needed.

Q: Is the volume adjustable?

The volume is primarily determined by the voltage provided (higher voltage = louder sound) and the frequency of the tone. You can control the frequency in your code using the tone() function, but fine-grained volume control typically requires additional hardware or PWM techniques.

Q: Can I connect this to a 5V Arduino board?

Yes, the buzzer operates within a 3.3V to 5V range, so it is compatible with both 3.3V LilyPad systems and 5V Arduino UNO/MEGA boards.

Q: Can I wash my project with the buzzer sewn in?

The buzzer component itself is hand-washable, but you must remove the main power source (battery) entirely before washing. Ensure the entire project, including the buzzer and all conductive thread traces, is completely air-dried before reconnecting power. Machine washing is not recommended.

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