Introduction

This project implements an RFID-based security system designed for school and institutional environments, providing automated access control with parent/guardian notification. The system uses an MFRC522 RFID reader to scan student identification cards, checking the UID against a whitelist of three authorized cards. When a recognized card is scanned, the system grants access with a green LED indicator and sends an SMS notification to the student's parent or guardian via the SIM800L GSM module, including the student's name and departure timestamp from the DS1307 RTC. Unrecognized cards trigger a red LED and buzzer alert. The 20x4 LCD displays system status, student names, and access decisions in real time.

System Overview

Aim and Objectives

Aim:
Design and implement an RFID-based security and access control system with GSM SMS notification for student departure tracking.

Objectives:

• Read and authenticate RFID card UIDs using MFRC522 module via SPI interface.
• Maintain a whitelist of authorized RFID card UIDs mapped to student names.
• Send SMS notification to parent/guardian with student name and departure time.
• Provide visual (LED) and audible (buzzer) feedback for access granted/denied.
• Timestamp all access events using DS1307 RTC for accurate record-keeping.
• Display system status, student identification, and access decisions on LCD.

Features & Deliverables

• RFID Authentication: MFRC522 reads 4-byte card UIDs and checks against stored authorized list.
• SMS Notification: SIM800L sends formatted SMS with student name and date/time to parent's phone.
• RTC Timestamping: DS1307 provides accurate date and time for all access events.
• Visual Feedback: Green LED for authorized access, red LED for denied access.
• Audio Alert: Buzzer sounds on unauthorized card scan attempt.
• LCD Status: 20x4 LCD shows "Place your card", student name on recognition, or "Unrecognized Card".
• Multi-Student Support: Three authorized card slots with individual student name mapping.

Process / Methodology

Hardware Assembly

Components: Arduino, MFRC522 RFID, SIM800L GSM, DS1307 RTC, 20x4 I2C LCD, LEDs, Buzzer.

• Connected MFRC522 RFID reader via SPI bus (MOSI, MISO, SCK, SS, RST).
• Wired SIM800L GSM module via SoftwareSerial for SMS communication.
• Integrated DS1307 RTC via I2C for event timestamping alongside LCD.
• Connected green/red LEDs and buzzer for access feedback indication.

Software Development

• Developed RFID UID reading and comparison against stored byte arrays.
• Implemented SMS composition with AT commands including student name and RTC timestamp.
• Programmed access control state machine with granted/denied/idle states.
• Added LCD display management with scrolling status messages.

Testing & Validation

• Tested RFID read reliability at various distances and card orientations.
• Validated SMS delivery timing and message formatting on multiple phone networks.
• Verified unauthorized card detection and alert response accuracy.

Challenges & Solutions

• Challenge: SIM800L power surges during SMS transmission causing Arduino resets.
  Solution: Added dedicated power supply with bulk capacitor for GSM module.
• Challenge: RFID read collisions when card is held too long near reader.
  Solution: Implemented cooldown period after each successful read to prevent duplicate scans.
• Challenge: RTC losing time on power loss and showing incorrect timestamps.
  Solution: Added CR2032 backup battery to DS1307 module for persistent timekeeping.

Results & Impact

• Access Control: System reliably identified authorized and unauthorized cards with consistent results.
• Parent Notification: SMS alerts were delivered promptly with accurate student identification and timestamps.
• Security: Unrecognized card attempts triggered immediate visual and audio alerts.
• User Experience: LCD provided clear guidance and feedback throughout the access process.

Future Enhancements

• Expand to support larger card databases stored on SD card or EEPROM.
• Add WiFi connectivity for cloud-based access logging and remote management.
• Implement entry/exit tracking with dual RFID readers at gates.
• Add admin RFID card for on-site enrollment of new student cards.

Demonstration / Access

• GitHub Repository: Coming soon
• Live Demonstration Video: Coming soon

Thank You for Visiting My Portfolio

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to explore my portfolio and learn about my work and expertise. If you have any questions or wish to discuss potential collaborations, please feel free to reach out via the Contact section.

Best regards,
Damilare Lekan, Adekeye.