RFID SMART LOCK SYSTEM

A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by

SATHIYA SELVI S (951322106086)

SIVA SHANKARI S (951322106099)
SATHISHWARI P (951322106085)
MUTHU SELVI G (951322106061)

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

in
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

JAYARAJ ANNAPACKIAM C.S.I COLLEGE

OF ENGINEERING, NAZARETH

ANNA UNIVERSITY::CHENNAI 600 025

MAY 2025
 ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “ RFID Smart Lock System” is the
bonafide works of SATHIYA SELVI S, SIVA SHANKARI S,
SATHISHWARI P, MUTHU SELVI G Who carried out the project work
under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Dr. K. Agnes Prema Mary, Mr. N. Veerabagu Suresh,
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

Assistant Professor
Electronics and Communication Electronics and Communication
Engineering, Engineering,
Jayaraj Annapackiam CSI Jayaraj Annapackiam CSI
College of Engineering, College of Engineering,
Nazareth – 628 617. Nazareth – 628 617.

Submitted for the B.E degree project VIVA VOCE Examination held on ……………..

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNEL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are greatly indebted to our Principal Dr. S. Jeyakumar for providing

excellent facilities to pursue our study and to carry out our project work
successfully. We sincerely thank him, for his continuous support and advice.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. K. Agnes Prema Mary,
Professor and Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication
Engineering and our project for her support and encouragement and valuable
suggestions which helped us to complete this work successfully.

We would like to thank our Project Guide Mr. N. Veerabagu Suresh

Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
and our Project Coordinator Dr. M. Ruban Gladwin Associated Professor of
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering for their support and
suggestions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our revered faculty members and lab
technicians for their help during the course of this project work. Our sincerely
thank go to our beloved parent for their support which made this project a
successful one.

Sathiya Selvi S
Siva Shankari S
Sathishwari P
Muthu Selvi G

iii
 ABSTRACT

This project is about building a smart lock system using RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification) technology and an Arduino microcontroller. The
goal is to create a secure and convenient way to control access to a door or
gate without using traditional keys. Instead of a key, the user simply taps an
RFID card or tag near a reader. If the card is authorized, the system unlocks
the door automatically. If the card is not recognized, the door stays locked.

The heart of the system is an Arduino board, which controls all the
components. An RFID reader scans the card, and the Arduino checks if it
matches the stored data. If it does, a motor or electronic lock is activated to
open the door. We can also add a buzzer to give sound feedback and an LCD
screen to display messages like ―Access Granted‖ or ―Access Denied.‖

This system is useful for homes, offices, schools, and other places where
you want secure and easy access control. It’s a low-cost solution, simple to
use, and easy to build. It also reduces the risk of losing keys or unauthorized
access since only registered RFID cards can unlock the door. This project
shows how basic electronics and programming can come together to solve
real-life problems and improve everyday security.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

NO
NO
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
LIST OF FIGURES Vii
LIST OF ABBREVATION ix
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. LITERATURE SURVEY 2
3. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE 3
3.1SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE 3
3.2INPUT LAYER 3
3.3PROCESSING LAYER 3
3:4OUTPUT LAYER 3
3:5POWER SUPPLY 4
3.6 SYSTEM FLOW SUMMARY 4
4
3.7 BLOCK DIAGRAM
5
3.8 ADVANTAGES 5
3.9 USES
4. HARDWARE REQIREMENT 6
4.1 ARDUINO UNO 6
4.2RFID READER MODULE 6
4.3RFID TAGES OR CARDS 7
4.4SERVO MOTOR 7
4.5BUZZER 8
4.6LEDs 8
v
 4.7RESISTOR AND JUMPER WIRES 8
4.8 BREADBOARD OR PCB 9
4.9 POWER SUPPLY 10
4.10 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 10
5. SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION 11
5.1ARDUINO IDE 11
5.2PROGRAM LOGIC 11
5.3CODE MODULARITY 11
5.4FEATURES 11
6. SOURCE CODE 12
7. CONCLUSION 17
8. REFERENCE 18

vi
 LIST OF FIGURES

TITLE PAGE NO
3.7 Block Diagram Of RFID Smart Lock System 4

4.1 Arduino UNO 6

4.2 RFID Reader Module 6
4.3 RFID Tags and Cards 7
4.4 Servo Motor 7
4.4 Buzzer 8
4.6 LED 8

Resistor 9
Jumper Wires 9
4.8 Breadboard 9
4.9 Power Supply 10
4.10 Circuit Diagram For RFID Smart Lock System 10

vii
 LISTOF ABBREVIATIONS

RFID -Radio Frequency Identification

LED -Light Emitting Diode

IOT -Internet of things

viii
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTIO
N

Security and controlled access have become essential in today’s fast-paced and
technology-driven world. Traditional mechanical locks and keys have been used for
centuries, but they come with several drawbacks. Keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated,
which can lead to unauthorized access and security risks. To overcome these issues, modern
electronic access systems such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) smart locks offer a
safer and more convenient alternative.

This project is focused on developing a smart locking system using RFID technology
and an Arduino microcontroller. RFID systems use electromagnetic fields to automatically
identify and track tags attached to objects—in this case, a card or key fob. When a user
brings an RFID card near the reader, the system checks whether the card is registered in its
memory. If the card is authorized, the Arduino sends a signal to unlock the door; otherwise,
access is denied.

The Arduino acts as the brain of the system, controlling the RFID reader and the
locking mechanism, such as a servo motor or electronic lock. Additional components like a
buzzer or an LCD screen can be added to give audio or visual feedback to the user, showing
messages like ―Access Granted‖ or ―Access Denied.‖

This type of system is not only easy to use but also adds an extra layer of security. It
can be used in homes, offices, hostels, labs, or any place that needs controlled access. Unlike
traditional locks, RFID systems are harder to tamper with and provide a smart way to
manage who enters and exits a space.

One of the key advantages of this project is that it is low-cost and easy to build,
making it perfect for students, DIY enthusiasts, and beginners in electronics. At the same
time, it introduces important concepts like microcontroller programming, sensor integration,
and real-world automation.

By completing this project, we learn how technology can make everyday life more
secure and efficient. It also opens doors to further improvements, such as adding Wi-Fi for
remote access, mobile app control, or storing entry logs for monitoring purposes.

1
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology that uses

electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects. It has been widely
adopted in applications such as inventory management, transportation, identification
systems, and especially in secure access control. RFID systems are increasingly being used
to replace traditional locking mechanisms due to their ability to offer contactless, fast, and
secure authentication. In the context of smart locking systems, RFID allows users to gain
access by simply scanning a tag or card, eliminating the need for physical keys, which can
be lost or duplicated.

Research and prior projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of combining RFID
with microcontrollers, especially the Arduino platform, to create efficient and low-cost smart
lock systems. The Arduino microcontroller is favored for its simplicity, flexibility, and
extensive community support, making it ideal for prototyping and educational projects.
Projects using the MFRC522 RFID module with Arduino have shown successful
implementation of access control where each scanned tag is checked against stored data to
determine whether access should be granted or denied.

In many earlier designs, output components such as buzzers, servo motors, and LCD
displays were used to give users immediate feedback on access status. Some literature also
explores integrating EEPROM to store RFID tag data even when power is lost, or using
serial communication to manage data remotely. Furthermore, studies have highlighted some
security concerns related to unauthorized RFID tag cloning, suggesting that future systems
could benefit from combining RFID with other forms of authentication, such as PIN entry,
fingerprint scanning, or mobile app verification.

Overall, the literature shows that an RFID-based smart lock system using Arduino is
a well-supported and practical approach, especially for entry-level security projects. It
provides a good balance between affordability, functionality, and ease of use, while also
offering scope for further development and innovation, such as IoT integration or cloud-
based access logs.

2
 CHAPTER 3
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

3.1 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

The system architecture of the RFID Smart Lock System outlines the interaction between hardware
and software components used to control access. It explains how each part of the system works together to
detect, process, and respond to RFID input.The system is composed of three main layers: the Input
Layer, the Processing Layer, and the Output Layer.

3.2 INPUT LAYER

This layer includes the RFID reader (MFRC522), which scans RFID tags/cards presented by the
user. Each card has a unique identification number (UID). The RFID reader sends this UID to the Arduino
board for verification.

Components:

 RFID Reader (MFRC522)

 RFID Tags or Cards

3.3 PROCESSING LAYER

The Arduino Uno acts as the central controller of the system. When the RFID reader scans a card,
the Arduino compares the UID with a predefined list of authorized UIDs stored in its memory. Based on
the comparison, it decides whether to grant or deny access.

Components:

 Arduino Uno
 Code logic (stored in Arduino sketch)
 EEPROM (optional, to store UIDs permanently)

3.4 OUTPUT LAYER

Depending on the result of the UID check, the Arduino triggers output devices:

 If access is granted, a servo motor rotates to unlock the door.

 A buzzer can provide audio feedback.
 An LCD display can show messages like "Access Granted" or "Access Denied".

Components:

 Servo Motor (for locking/unlocking)

 Buzzer (audio alert)
 LCD Display (optional, for status messages)
 LED indicators (optional, for visual status)

3
3.5 POWER SUPPLY
The entire system is powered using either:

 USB connection to a PC or power bank

 External 9V battery or adapter connected to Arduino

3.6 SYSTEM FLOW SUMMARY

1. RFID card is scanned.

2. Arduino reads and compares the UID.
3. If UID matches stored data → access granted → motor unlocks.
4. If UID does not match → access denied → lock stays closed.
5. Feedback is provided via buzzer, LED, or display.

3.7 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure3.7 Block Diagram of RFID smart lock system

4
3.8 ADVANTAGES

1. Enhanced Security
o Only authorized RFID tags can unlock the system, reducing the risk
of unauthorized access.
o Unlike traditional keys, RFID tags are harder to duplicate.
2. User-Friendly Operation
o Quick and convenient access: users simply scan a card or tag—no need
for physical keys or remembering passwords.
3. Low Cost and Easy Implementation
o Uses affordable components like the Arduino Uno, RFID reader (e.g.,
RC522), and servo motor.
o Suitable for DIY projects, small businesses, and educational purposes.
4. Customizable and Scalable
o Easy to add or remove authorized users via code.
o Can be expanded with features like LCD display, buzzer alarms, and
data logging.
5. Low Power Consumption
o Arduino-based systems are energy efficient, making them ideal for
battery- powered or low-power applications.
6. Compact and Space-Saving
o The system components are small and can be installed discreetly, unlike
bulky traditional locking systems.
7. Durability and Low Maintenance
o RFID tags are robust, weather-resistant, and don’t wear out like
mechanical keys.
o Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance.

3.9 USES

 Home security systems

 Office and workplace access control

 Educational institutions

 Hostel or dormitory room entry

 Locker and storage access

 Attendance and time tracking

 Automated gates and garages

 Hotel room entry system

5
 CHAPTER 4

HARDWARE REQUIREMENT

The RFID Smart Lock System requires various electronic components to perform input
detection, processing, and output actions. Below is a list of the essential hardware components used
in the system:

4.1 ARDUINO UNO (or compatible board)

 Acts as the main controller.
 Processes data from the RFID reader and controls the output devices.
 Contains digital and analog input/output pins for easy interfacing.

Figure 4.1 Arduino uno

4.2 RFID READER MODULE (MFRC522)

 Used to read the unique identification number (UID) from RFID tags or cards.
 Communicates with Arduino via SPI (Serial Peripherals).

6
Figure 4.2 RFID Reader Module

7
4.3 RFID TAGS OR CARDS
 Each tag/card contains a unique UID.
 Used as the access key for the system.

Figure 4.3 RFID tags or cards

4.4 SERVO MOTOR (e.g., SG90)

 Controls the locking mechanism (opens/closes the door latch).
 Rotates based on the access decision from Arduino.

Figure 4.4 Servo motor

8
4.5 BUZZER
 Provides audio feedback (e.g., short beep for access granted, long beep for denied).
 Helps users understand the system response.

Figure 4.5 Buzzer

4.6 LEDs
 Red LED: Indicates access denied.
 Green LED: Indicates access granted.
 Enhances visual feedback.

Figure 4.6 LED

4.7 RESISTORS AND JUMPER WIRES

 Required for connecting and securing components on a breadboard or PCB.

 Used to control current for LEDs and other small components.

9
Figure 4.7.1 Resistor Figure 4.7.2 Jumper wires
4.8 BREADBOARD OR PCB
 Used to assemble the circuit.
 Breadboards are ideal for prototyping; PCBs can be used for final implementation.

Figure 4.8 Breadboard

10
4.9 POWER SUPPLY
 USB power from PC or power bank.
 9V battery or 5V adapter can also be used for standalone operation.

Figure 4.9 Power supply

4.10 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

Figure 4.10 Circuit diagram for RFID smart lock system

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 CHPATER 5
SOFTWARE DESCRPTION

The software component of the RFID Smart Lock System is responsible for controlling the behavior
of the hardware components, managing access logic, and providing feedback to the user. It is developed
using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and written in C/C++ programming
language.

5.1 ARDUINO IDE

 Platform Used: Arduino IDE is an open-source software used for writing, compiling, and
uploading code to the Arduino board.
 Programming Language: Arduino sketches are written in a simplified version of C/C++.
 Libraries Required:
o MFRC522.h – to communicate with the RFID reader.
o SPI.h – to enable SPI communication between the Arduino and the RFID module.
o Servo.h – to control the servo motor for locking/unlocking.
o LiquidCrystal.h (if LCD is used) – to control the 16x2 LCD display.

5.2 PROGRAM LOGIC

1. Initialize all components (RFID reader, servo motor, buzzer, LCD, etc.).
2. Continuously scan for RFID tags.
3. When a tag is detected, read the UID.
4. Compare the UID with a list of authorized UIDs stored in the program or EEPROM.
5. If UID is authorized:
o Rotate servo motor to unlock the door.
o Turn on green LED or display ―Access Granted‖ on LCD.
o Activate a short beep with the buzzer.
6. If UID is unauthorized:
o Keep lock closed.
o Turn on red LED or display ―Access Denied‖ on LCD.
o Activate a long beep with the buzzer.
7. After a short delay, return to the scanning state.

5.3 CODE MODULARITY

 The code is structured into setup and loop functions.
 Setup: Initializes devices.
 Loop: Continuously checks for tag input and handles logic.
 Optional: Store authorized UIDs in EEPROM to make the system remember them even after reboot.

5.4 FEATURES
 Real-time RFID scanning and verification.
 Access control based on unique RFID tag identification.
 Customizable UID list.
 Expandable to include additional features like serial monitoring, IoT connectivity, or
mobile integration.
12
 CHAPTER 6

SOURCECODE

#include <SPI.h>

#include <MFRC522.h>

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

#include <Servo.h>

#define RST_PIN 9

#define SS_PIN 10

MFRC522 mfrc522(SS_PIN, RST_PIN);

String MasterTag = "45 06 74 35 55"; // Enter you tag UID which we get it from first code.

String UIDCard = "";

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x3F,

16, 2); Servo servo;

#define GreenLED 2

#define RedLED 4

#define Buzzer 5

void setup() {

// put your setup code here, to run once:

Serial.begin(9600);
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 SPI.begin();

mfrc522.PCD_Init();

lcd.init();

lcd.backlight();

lcd.clear();

servo.attach(6);

servo.write(10);

pinMode(GreenLED, OUTPUT);

pinMode(RedLED, OUTPUT);

pinMode(Buzzer, OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(BlueLED, HIGH);

void loop() {

// put your main code here, to run repeatedly:

digitalWrite(RedLED, LOW);

digitalWrite(GreenLED, LOW);

noTone(Buzzer);

servo.write(10);

14
//Wait until new tag is available

while (getUID())

Serial.print("UID: ");

Serial.println(UIDCard);

digitalWrite(GreenLED, HIGH);

digitalWrite(RedLED, LOW);

servo.write(100);

delay(50);

for (int i = 0; i < 2; i++)

{ tone(Buzzer, 2000);

delay(250);

noTone(Buzzer);

delay(250);

else

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 {

digitalWrite(GreenLED, LOW);

tone(Buzzer, 2000);

servo.write(10);

for(int i = 0; i < 10;i++)

{ digitalWrite(RedLED, HIGH);

delay(250);

digitalWrite(RedLED, LOW);

delay(250);

noTone(Buzzer);

delay(2000);

boolean getUID()

if (! mfrc522.PICC_IsNewCardPresent()) {

16
 //Serial.println("card Not found");

return false;

if (! mfrc522.PICC_ReadCardSerial()) {

//Serial.println("Not able to read the card");

return false;

UIDCard = "";

for (byte i = 0; i < mfrc522.uid.size; i++)

{ UIDCard.concat(String(mfrc522.uid.uidByte[i] < 0x10 ? " 0" : " "));

UIDCard.concat(String(mfrc522.uid.uidByte[i], HEX));

UIDCard.toUpperCase();

UIDCard = UIDCard.substring(1);

mfrc522.PICC_HaltA();

return true;

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 CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION

The RFID Smart Lock System using Arduino successfully demonstrates how
embedded technology can be leveraged to enhance physical security in a cost-effective and
efficient manner. This project shows how RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can be
used for secure access control, replacing traditional lock-and-key mechanisms with a
modern, automated solution.

By integrating an RFID reader with an Arduino microcontroller, the system is capable

of detecting authorized RFID tags and triggering a locking/unlocking mechanism
accordingly. Unauthorized attempts are automatically rejected, and additional features such
as visual/audible alerts or LCD display messages can be added for user feedback. This
ensures that the system is both secure and user-friendly.

One of the major advantages of this project is its flexibility and scalability. The
Arduino platform allows easy modifications, such as expanding the database of authorized
cards, logging access times, or integrating it with wireless communication modules like
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for IoT-based remote access and monitoring. Additionally, the system
consumes low power and uses affordable components, making it suitable for personal use in
homes or as a prototype for larger-scale applications in businesses and institutions.

Overall, the RFID Smart Lock System not only meets the objectives set at the beginning
of the project but also opens the door for future innovations. It serves as a solid foundation
for developing advanced smart security systems with improved features like biometric
verification, mobile app control, and cloud-based data management. This project highlights
the potential of combining RFID technology with microcontrollers to build reliable and
intelligent access control systems.

18
References

1. Griffin, J., & Durgin, G. D. (2009). Complete RFID System: Design and
Implementation. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques,
57(5), 1349–1357.
https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2009.2017287

2. Miller, R. (2010). RFID Security and Privacy: A Research Survey. IEEE Journal on
Selected Areas in Communications, 29(3), 3–9.

3. Arduino Official Documentation. (n.d.). Arduino Uno Rev3. Retrieved from

https://docs.arduino.cc/hardware/uno-rev3

4. Instructables. (n.d.). How to Make an RFID Door Lock System Using Arduino.
Retrieved from https://www.instructables.com

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