RFID Based Attendance System using Arduino

Project Overview

This is a simple and practical implementation of an RFID-based attendance system using Arduino. It uses the MFRC522 RFID module to detect and read RFID cards. When a valid card is tapped, the system marks the user as "Present" and displays a message on a 16x2 LCD. Unauthorized cards trigger a red LED and buzzer alert.

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Features

• Detects RFID cards using MFRC522 module
• Identifies users based on UID
• Displays user name and attendance status on LCD
• Green LED and buzzer for valid entries
• Red LED and buzzer for unauthorized access
• Simple, efficient, and low-cost solution

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Components Used

Component	Quantity
Arduino UNO	1
MFRC522 RFID Module	1
RFID Tags/Cards	2+
16x2 LCD Display	1
Green LED	1
Red LED	1
Buzzer	1
Jumper Wires	As needed
Breadboard	1
Power Supply	1

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Circuit Connections

LCD (16x2) - Pin Connections

LCD Pin	Arduino Pin
RS	A0
EN	A1
D4	A2
D5	A3
D6	A4
D7	A5

MFRC522 RFID Module - Pin Connections

RFID Pin	Arduino Pin
SDA (SS)	D10
SCK	D13
MOSI	D11
MISO	D12
RST	D9
VCC	3.3V
GND	GND

Other Components - Pin Connections

Component	Arduino Pin
Green LED	D5
Red LED	D4
Buzzer	D2

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RFID UID Configuration

Student Name	RFID UID
Student 01	C4 C0 97 3F
Student 02	D3 E4 47 DA

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Project Preview

Prototype Image

Demo Video

▶️ Watch Video

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Installation & Setup

Follow these steps to set up the RFID Attendance System:

1. Hardware Setup

• Connect all components according to the circuit tables provided above.
• Ensure the MFRC522 module is powered with 3.3V, not 5V.
• Double-check all wiring before powering the circuit.

2. Software Setup

• Install the latest version of Arduino IDE from arduino.cc.
• Connect your Arduino UNO to the PC via USB.

3. Required Libraries

Install the following libraries via Library Manager (Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries):

• MFRC522 by GithubCommunity (for RFID Reader)
• LiquidCrystal (for LCD)

Or install manually:

• MFRC522 Library GitHub

4. Upload the Code

• Open main.ino from this repository.
• Select the correct Board and Port in the Arduino IDE.
• Click Upload.

5. Ready to Use

• Once uploaded, the LCD will prompt: SHOW YOUR ID CARD.
• Tap your RFID card on the reader to register attendance!

How It Works

1. The LCD prompts: SHOW YOUR ID CARD.
2. When an RFID tag is brought near the reader:
   • ✅ If the UID is valid, it:
     • Displays the student name and PRESENT message on the LCD.
     • Activates the green LED and buzzer for feedback.
   • ❌ If the UID is invalid, it:
     • Displays UNAUTHORIZE ACCESS on the LCD.
     • Activates the red LED and buzzer alert for 2 seconds.
3. The system then resets the display for the next scan.

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Future Enhancements

• Store attendance logs to an SD card.
• Add Real-Time Clock (RTC) module for accurate timestamping.
• Send attendance data to a server or cloud using Wi-Fi (ESP8266/ESP32).
• Add admin panel for managing registered cards.
• Upgrade to OLED/Touchscreen UI for better interaction.
• Create a desktop or web dashboard to display reports.

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Author

Mohit Vanzara
📌 LinkedIn
📌 GitHub

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Feel free to use, modify, and distribute it for educational and personal use.

⭐ If you found this project helpful, please consider giving it a star on GitHub!