Electronica Munich 2024 - ADW officially releases an all-copper electrode piezo buzzer, with more exciting updates available online

On November 12, the highly anticipated Electronica Munich opened at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany.

At the event, ADW proudly unveiled its first all-copper electrode piezo buzzer and showcased a range of innovative products and application solutions across fields such as smart robotics and intelligent industry. This exhibition highlights ADW's commitment to advancing sensing and actuation technologies, exploring new possibilities for the intelligent development of various industries.

The first all-copper electrode piezo buzzer officially launched
The all-copper electrode piezo buzzer released at this exhibition operates based on the piezoelectric effect of its internal all-copper electrode piezoelectric ceramic element. When an AC voltage is applied, the piezoelectric ceramic generates corresponding mechanical vibrations, producing sound. Under the same voltage drive, the all-copper electrode piezo buzzer offers superior frequency response and higher volume compared to conventional piezo buzzers with silver electrodes.

Innovation Highlight: All-Copper Electrode
While this product shares the same operating principle as other piezo buzzers on the market, it features an all-copper electrode in its internal piezoelectric ceramic. This innovation significantly reduces raw material procurement and manufacturing costs while enabling the device to withstand high-intensity voltages in the kilovolt range per millimeter. Compared to silver-electrode piezo buzzers, it offers enhanced reliability and an expanded range of applications. Beyond smoke alarms, it is also well-suited for alarm systems in high-voltage environments.

Cost-effective
From a metal recycling perspective, silver requires complex chemical processes for recovery, whereas copper, being widely used in industrial applications, has a relatively simple recycling process. Additionally, copper has a lower sintering temperature compared to silver, which translates to lower energy consumption during the sintering process. This makes the production of piezo buzzers with copper electrodes more cost-effective and energy-efficient.

According to reports, silver prices have surged by 42% this year, with a peak increase of nearly 50%, reaching a 12-year high. Currently, spot silver is priced at approximately $34 per ounce. The Silver Institute predicts that global silver demand will exceed 36,700 tons in 2024, while supply is expected to rise to only 31,700 tons. Factors such as the supply-demand gap, increased investment, and growing industrial demand are expected to continue driving silver prices upward.

High reliability
With the miniaturization of piezo actuators, the required driving voltage has increased to 1000–3000 volts per millimeter. However, silver or silver-palladium electrodes are prone to ion migration under high voltage, which can degrade performance. While bias voltages (e.g., 300V forward, 100V reverse) can improve the effect, they also accelerate ion migration, leading to reduced voltage resistance and an increased risk of short circuits, which ultimately impacts product lifespan and reliability.

To address the issues mentioned above, ADW has independently developed all-copper electrode piezoelectric ceramics suitable for high-voltage environments. Under high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-power conditions, the copper electrode exhibits stable performance without generating migration channels (no ion migration), ensuring stable amplitude and maintaining high sound pressure output in high-voltage environments. This effectively guarantees the product reliability and lifespan of the all-copper electrode piezo buzzer.

Live coverage of more exciting updates is available online
At the exhibition, ADW also showcased innovative products and solutions based on ultrasonic technology, piezoelectric technology, and PMUT technology, covering a wide range of application areas, including automotive electronics, smart instruments, intelligent security, smart robotics, and intelligent industry.

Numerous industry professionals showed great interest in solutions like the ultrasonic lead-free flow measurement system, PMUT energy meter, and UQD integrated solution. After experiencing live demonstrations, they praised these solutions for their intelligence and practicality.

The Electronica Munich is in full swing, and we look forward to sharing more possibilities for a smarter future with you.

ADEW Booth Information

Date: November 12-15, 2024

Location:Messe München, Germany

Booth number: B3.550