Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are widely used in retail stores to prevent shoplifting and protect merchandise. These systems consist of three main components: tags, detectors, and deactivators. The tags are placed on the merchandise, the detectors are installed at the store entrance and exit, and the deactivators are used to disable the tags when the merchandise is purchased. There are several types of EAS systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the different types of EAS systems.
1. Radio Frequency (RF) EAS Systems
RF EAS systems are one of the most popular types of EAS systems used in retail stores. They operate on a frequency of 8.2 MHz and use a tag that contains a resonant circuit tuned to the same frequency. When the tag passes through the RF detector’s electromagnetic field, it causes the tag to resonate, and the detector sounds an alarm.
RF EAS systems are affordable and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for small businesses. However, they are also easy to defeat since they operate on a fixed frequency, and shoplifters can use devices to block the signal or remove the tags.
2. Acousto-Magnetic (AM) EAS Systems
AM EAS systems operate on a frequency of 58 kHz and use a tag that contains a strip of magnetic material. When the tag passes through the AM detector’s electromagnetic field, it causes the magnetic strip to vibrate, and the detector sounds an alarm.
AM EAS systems are more expensive than RF EAS systems but are also more reliable since they operate on a variable frequency, making it harder for shoplifters to defeat them. They are also less affected by environmental factors such as metal shelves, which can interfere with RF EAS systems.
3. Microwave EAS Systems
Microwave EAS systems operate on a frequency of 24 GHz and use a tag that contains a small circuit board that reflects the microwave signal. When the tag passes through the microwave detector’s electromagnetic field, it causes the circuit board to reflect the signal, and the detector sounds an alarm.
Microwave EAS systems are more expensive than RF and AM EAS systems but are also more reliable since they are not affected by metal shelves or other environmental factors. They are also more difficult to defeat since they operate on a higher frequency, making it harder for shoplifters to block the signal.
4. Electro-Magnetic (EM) EAS Systems
EM EAS systems operate on a frequency of 1.5 MHz and use a tag that contains a coil of wire. When the tag passes through the EM detector’s electromagnetic field, it causes the coil of wire to resonate, and the detector sounds an alarm.
EM EAS systems are less popular than RF and AM EAS systems but are still used in some stores. They are more reliable than RF EAS systems since they operate on a variable frequency, making it harder for shoplifters to defeat them. However, they are also more expensive than RF EAS systems.
5. RFID EAS Systems
RFID EAS systems use radio waves to communicate between the tag and the reader. The tag contains a microchip that stores information about the product, and the reader uses radio waves to read this information. RFID EAS systems can be either passive or active. Passive RFID tags do not have a power source and rely on the reader to provide power. Active RFID tags have their power source and can transmit signals over a longer range.
RFID EAS systems are more expensive than other EAS systems but provide several benefits. They can be used for inventory management and can provide real-time data about the location and status of products.
