First surface-mount buzzer for cars debuts

In what it claims is an industry first, Murata Electronics has introduced a surface-mounted piezoelectric buzzer for automotive applications (Picture). The 12×12×3-mm ceramic resonator can replace more fragile quartz-crystal resonators and lets you develop a surface-mount design with fewer through holes and without the EMI that occurs with common electromagnetic buzzers. The buzzer operates at –40 to +85°C; is tested for 500 thermal cycles; and suits applications in instrument clusters, driver feedback, auto HVAC, and two-way remote-keyless-entry systems. The lead-free resonator, model PKLCS1212E40A1-R1, sells for 45 cents (high volumes).

Murata Electronics North America, 1-770-436-1300, www.murata-northamerica.com.