Today, anti-theft radio frequency systems have become very popular. Most often they can be seen at the exit from the stores. These systems have gained recognition because of the benefits they give their owner.
General description of the system
The basic principle of the operation of radio frequency equipment is the detection by the antennas (sensors) of the oscillatory circuit. This circuit is located in a protective element, which, in turn, is attached to the product, and its resonant frequency coincides with that used by the sensor. Today, the universal frequency for all anti-theft radio frequency systems is 8.2 MHz. This value is suitable for any manufacturer’s sensor. However, there are special frequencies - 9.5 and 10 MHz. But it is worth noting that such a frequency is used only in places such as a library or video rental store. An important element for the operation of such systems is the radio frequency label. They differ from each other in three ways: production technology, appearance and size. Although if we talk about the dimensions in a little more detail, then almost all manufacturers use standard sizes of 40 x 40 or 50 x 50 mm.
System benefits
Anti-theft RF systems have several undeniable advantages, which have led to the fact that they currently occupy 52% of the market. The main advantages include the following:
- The relatively low cost of the system.
- Reliability is ensured due to the fact that the tags are triggered with a high probability.
- High efficiency is achieved due to the fact that reusable types of sensors are used.
- Anti-theft radio frequency systems are safe for human health, and also do not affect a variety of magnetic and electronic devices.
- It is possible to integrate an alarm with a video surveillance system and others.
This list, of course, is not complete, but these are the main positive qualities of this system, which made it quite popular.
System elements
Naturally, the anti-theft system and equipment that is included in the kit are not only sensors. The kit includes several basic elements.
Anti-theft security sensors are protective type stickers that always stick directly to the product itself. While the buyer is in the store, the label should be on the product. At the checkout, this sensor is deactivated by the cashier, and therefore, when passing by the sensors, they do not work.
Further, the main element is directly the theft gate or theft guard, they are called differently. The place of installation of these elements is the entrance / exit to the object. These sensors are equipped with transceivers to interact with protective labels. It is also important to note that each pair of frames consists of two pieces. In one, a reception sensor is installed, in a second transmission sensor. It is also important to know that the distance between the sensors should be 2 meters.
The third important element of the radio frequency anti-theft system and anti-theft equipment is a deactivating and removable device. These devices work together with sensors that are mounted in racks located at the outlet of the store, sales area, etc.
Types of devices
The basis of the protective system is the technology that it uses.
There is an electromagnetic system. This type is characterized by low reliability, since the response coefficient is in the region of 65-70%. However, it is important to note here that among all systems this one has the lowest cost. You can also use such devices on any product, including foil packaging, canned goods, metal goods and more.
Next is a view of the radio frequency anti-theft systems that use sensors and a protective label for their work. The use of such networks is possible only in stores selling clothes, as well as food. The cost of the system is slightly higher, but it is still considered low. In addition, the response rate is quite high - 85-90%. However, there is a significant drawback in the form that it does not work well with metal surfaces. Therefore, the use with electronics, household appliances and metal containers is very limited. The system will not be able to identify the protective label if the product is carried inside a metal package.
The latter type is acoustomagnetic. This group has the highest response rate - 90-95%, and also there are no drawbacks that are present in radio-frequency systems.
Varieties of RF systems
The first group is the anti-theft gate JSB XL Supra (Crosspoint, Holland). The system is characterized by the presence of an anti-theft network. They also differ in that they are the thinnest and narrowest models, but provide the necessary protection at a distance of two meters from each other. These devices use ODD technology, which provides reliable detection of labels even of small size. The detection width for these devices is from 63 to 2000 mm, and a rigid shell model is used as a sensor.
One option that is currently considered the last word in the group of RF systems is Sentinel. This network is considered the flagship of WG Security Product. A distinctive feature of this category is that it uses a large number of innovations that have been successfully tested and implemented recently. In addition, many customer wishes were implemented here, which helped to significantly improve the system.
EAS system
The principle of operation of radio-frequency systems is based on the EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance - Electronic Object Detection) program.
The essence of the work is quite simple - there is a definition of a special subject, which is most often expressed in the form of a label or tag. This element is located on a product that needs protection, and the determination process itself takes place in an electromagnetic field located between the antenna frames (racks). A security element, that is, a tag, is a device that will interfere with this field when it passes, which will trigger an alarm if you do not unlock it at the checkout.
RF anti-theft systems
Radio-frequency RF anti-theft systems operate in the range from 1.9 to 10 MHz. In the Russian Federation, the frequency of 8.2 MHz is used.
It is also worth noting that there is an improved modification of this system, which is the most reliable, but also the most expensive. The RFID network uses a radio frequency identification program. The very label of this system is included in its structure by a microchip containing a large amount of information about the product.
The largest number of reviews on the anti-theft system are positive. Most customers select Abc-branded devices. It was noted that they work stably and for a rather long period. Some users nearby had interference in the form of electronic devices, but there were no malfunctions.