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AM vs RF DIFFERENCES

Fundamental System Identification Protocols
This article contains the essential information regarding types of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems. The ability to distinguish them visually is a critical skill for an operator. Without this skill, using the device becomes a lottery.

0. INTRODUCTION: THREE SYSTEM TYPES ​

There are three common types of anti-theft systems:

  1. AM — Acousto-Magnetic (58 kHz).
  2. RF — Radio Frequency (8.2 MHz).
  3. EM — Electromagnetic.
TECHNOLOGY STATUS

EM (Electromagnetic) system is effectively DEAD.

Development of new models has been completely terminated.

Only one manufacturer, CERTUS, remains active.

Active production of these systems by other companies ended years ago for several reasons:

  • Critically high power consumption.
  • Low detection rate (poor performance).
  • Complexity in selecting tags (various lengths, widths, and alloys).
  • Decline in tag production and quality.

However, as of 2021, the active implementation of RFID has begun. This is a completely different technology, which we cover separately.

To be clear... don't worry, AM and RF systems will be used by non-conglomerate retail chains and regular shops for a long, long time.

READ ABOUT RFID

So... AM vs RF...

CHAPTER 1. THEORETICAL MINIMUM ​

The main thing you must understand: these systems use THREE completely different physical principles for tag detection.

  • AM (Acousto-Magnetic) Works on the principle of resonant response. The pedestals create an excitation field, the tag is "pumped" with energy and begins to vibrate, emitting a response signal. During the "listening" phase, the pedestals themselves are silent.
  • RF (Radio Frequency) Works on the principle of analyzing its own field (LC circuit). The pedestals constantly scan the air, attempting to find an energy "absorber" (tag) at a specific frequency. Therefore, RF systems always require two pedestals (transmitter and receiver) to maintain a uniform field.
    • CONCLUSION: Since the physics of the processes differ, the ideal methods for suppression and jamming CANNOT BE THE SAME.

    CHAPTER 2. STICKERS (SOFT TAGS) ​

    Label stickers are the easiest and fastest way to determine which system is installed in a store. The visual difference is massive.

    1. AM Sticker Features ​

    If you see these signs, you are looking at a 100% AM System:

    1. PLASTIC Only! (Hard casing).
    2. Volumetric/Bulged (1-2 mm thick, not flat like paper).
    3. Strictly standardized size: 4 cm long, 1 cm wide.
    4. Internal: Two dense metallic strips.
    5. Color: Usually white with a fake barcode, rarely black/gray.
    AM Tag Structure
    AM Label Visual
    Typical appearance of an AM sticker (Sensormatic DR Label)

    2. RF Sticker Features ​

    If you see these signs, you are looking at an RF System:

    1. Paper-based or film-based.
    2. Flat, like regular tape or a sticker.
    3. Shape: Usually Square (4x4 cm), rarely Round.
    4. A spiral (antenna) made of foil is visible through the light.
    5. Very vulnerable to tears and cuts (a broken circuit = a dead tag).
    RF Label Structure
    RF Label Visual
    RF sticker: the spiral is always visible through light

    3. EM Sticker Features (Rare) ​

    1. Paper, but sometimes transparent film with a metallic thread.
    2. Always elongated (strips).
    3. Internal: A ultra-thin wire/thread + rectangles.
    EM LabelEM Strip

    CHAPTER 3. HARD TAGS ​

    This is more complex as the casings can look similar. However, there are key distinctions.

    AM Hard Tags ​

    Inside, there is always a Ferrite core (heavy) or two plates (SuperTag).

    1. Super-Tag: All tags opened by a mechanical hook (they have a hole at the end, not just a magnetic lock).

      • Note: Chinese manufacturers make RF copies of SuperTags, but they are extremely rare and usually shortened.

    2. Pencil Tag / Ultra Tag: Elongated "pencils". If there is a Sensormatic logo — it is 100% AM.

    3. Bottle Tags: Have a characteristic protrusion next to the lock for the ferrite core.

    4. Ultra Gator: Opened by expansion/squeezing. Used in AM or rarely in EM.

    RF Hard Tags ​

    Inside, there is always a Spiral (coil). They are lighter in weight than AM tags.

    1. Square/Flat: The standard. Used ONLY in RF. (EM equivalents almost do not exist).

    2. Clamshells / Golf Tags / Turtles: Round sensors. AM versions exist, but in 90% of cases, these are RF.

      • Hack: Shake the sensor. An AM tag with ferrite sounds dull and feels heavier. RF is lighter.

    3. Cone Tags: Only a lock and a coiled RF spiral can fit into such a small casing. These are 100% RF.

    4. Bottle RF Tags: Have a square or circular expansion for the spiral (unlike the AM protrusion).

    Universal Sensors ("Spiders") ​

    ALPHA SPIDER WRAPS

    There are specialized S3 Hard Tags with 2-Alarm or 3-Alarm technology.

    • Large "spiders" often contain both types of tags (both AM and RF).
    • Small "spiders" contain only one. Often "AM" or "RF" is written on the back.
    • If the sensor reacts with its own beep to the gate's field — that is 3-Alarm technology.

    CHAPTER 4. PEDESTALS (ANTENNAS) ​

    What if the pedestals are covered by advertisements?

    1. Look from above: Cardboard covers often don't close the top. Pretend to photograph the store while holding your phone high.
    2. Look for indicator lights: Holes are often cut in advertisements for LEDs. Their position reveals the model.
    3. The Base: Even a single visible bolt or the shape of the pedestal's "foot" can reveal the manufacturer (Sensormatic has distinct bases).

    For detailed study, we have a vast database of photos:

    AM ALBUMSSensormatic, WG, and others. RF ALBUMSCheckpoint, Nedap, and others.

    Key Players ​

    1. Sensormatic (Tyco) — The creator and monopolist of AM technology. If you see this logo — it is AM (58 kHz).
    2. Checkpoint and NEDAP — RF market leaders. They produce only RF (or RFID). Distinctive designs.

    Mixed Brands (produce both): Gateway, CrossPoint, Amersec, Lucatron. Here you must look at the antenna construction.

    THE MAIN VISUAL HACK ​

    Look at the antenna's internal construction (crossbars or loops).

    RF SYSTEMS

    Contain 2, 3, or 4 horizontal crossbars/loops distributed evenly by height. These are "figure-eight" loops made of thin wires or tubes.

    AM SYSTEMS

    Usually contain 1 or 2 massive blocks (coils) located near the center or distributed. They look like solid "slabs" inside the plastic rather than thin wires.

    Collage of popular RF pedestals (Loops are visible)
    Comparison: Left is RF (multiple loops), Right is AM (solid blocks)

    Regarding EM Pedestals (Rare): They are never narrow. These are always massive panels with a width of 45 cm or more, often "solid" (like glass or thick plastic containing multiple coils). Only found in old libraries.

    FINAL SUMMARY ​

    With this accumulated knowledge, you can identify the system before even entering the store.

    1

    Tags on products: See a SuperTag? -> It's AM. See a flat square? -> It's RF.

    2

    Stickers: See volumetric plastic? -> AM. See a paper sticker? -> RF.

    3

    Pedestals: Sensormatic logo? -> AM. "Figure-eight" loops? -> RF.

    OPERATOR'S ADVICE

    If you can't find stickers and the sensors look strange ("clamshells"), and the pedestals are hidden by ads — look at the cashier zone.

    Deactivators at the checkout also differ. An AM deactivator is often just a plastic "box" or an integrated panel that emits a loud click. An RF deactivator is a large flat panel (often glass) that beeps during deactivation.

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