A complete RFID based attendance system using Arduino that automates employee and student attendance tracking with real-time logging, LCD display, and offline data storage capabilities.

• Automatic Check-in/Check-out Detection - Smart status tracking based on last entry
• Real-time Clock Integration - Precise timestamps with DS1307 RTC module
• Offline Data Storage - 30+ attendance logs stored in EEPROM memory
• LCD Interface - 16x2 I2C display with scrolling names and live people count
• Card Programming Utility - Easy RFID card setup with personal data
• Serial Monitor Control - Full system control via Arduino IDE
• Power Loss Protection - Data retention during power outages
• Cost-Effective - Under $35 total build cost vs $500+ commercial systems

• Arduino Uno (1x) - ATmega328P microcontroller board
• MFRC522 RFID Module (1x) - 13.56MHz RFID reader with SPI interface
• DS1307 RTC Module (1x) - Real-time clock with AT24C32 EEPROM
• 16x2 I2C LCD Display (1x) - HD44780 compatible with I2C backpack
• Push Buttons (2x) - 6x6mm tactile buttons for navigation
• RFID Cards/Tags - Mifare Classic 1K, 13.56MHz
• Breadboard (1x) - Full-size for prototyping
• Jumper Wires - Male-to-male connections
• Power Supply - 5V-12V DC adapter or battery

• Buzzer - Audio feedback for card scans
• LED Indicators - Visual status indicators
• SD Card Module - Additional storage backup
• Ethernet Shield - Network connectivity

Arduino Uno Connections:
┌─────────────────┬──────────────────┬────────────────┐
│ Arduino Pin     │ Component        │ Function       │
├─────────────────┼──────────────────┼────────────────┤
│ Digital Pin 7   │ MFRC522 RST      │ RFID Reset     │
│ Digital Pin 8   │ Menu Button      │ Navigation     │
│ Digital Pin 9   │ Select Button    │ Confirmation   │
│ Digital Pin 10  │ MFRC522 SS       │ SPI Slave Sel. │
│ Digital Pin 11  │ MFRC522 MOSI     │ SPI Data Out   │
│ Digital Pin 12  │ MFRC522 MISO     │ SPI Data In    │
│ Digital Pin 13  │ MFRC522 SCK      │ SPI Clock      │
│ Analog Pin A4   │ SDA              │ I2C Data       │
│ Analog Pin A5   │ SCL              │ I2C Clock      │
└─────────────────┴──────────────────┴────────────────┘

📖 Complete Circuit Diagram: View Detailed Schematic

# Install required libraries via Arduino Library Manager:
# - MFRC522 by GithubCommunity
# - RTClib by Adafruit
# - LiquidCrystal I2C by Frank de Brabander

1. Connect components according to circuit diagram
2. Ensure proper power distribution (5V/3.3V compatibility)
3. Verify I2C addresses (LCD: 0x27, RTC: 0x68, EEPROM: 0x50)

git clone https://github.com/Circuit-Digest/RFID-Based-Attendance-System-Using-Arduino.git
cd RFID-Based-Attendance-System-Using-Arduino

1. First: Upload ReadandWrite_PersonalData.ino to program RFID cards
2. Second: Upload RFIDAttendanceSystem_Main.ino for main operation

1. Upload the card programming sketch
2. Open Serial Monitor (9600 baud)
3. Type w for write mode
4. Place RFID card near reader
5. Enter name (max 32 characters)
6. Enter ID (max 8 characters)
7. Verify with read mode (r)

1. Upload main attendance code
2. Set correct time via Serial Monitor (t command)
3. Present programmed RFID cards to reader
4. System automatically tracks IN/OUT status
5. View logs via buttons or Serial Monitor commands

• v - View all attendance logs
• c - Clear all logs
• s - System status
• t - Set time

├── Code/
│   ├── RFIDAttendanceSystem_Main/
│   │   └── RFIDAttendanceSystem_Main.ino    # Main attendance system
│   └── ReadandWrite_PersonalData/
│       └── ReadandWrite_PersonalData.ino    # Card programming utility
├── Circuit Diagram/
│   └── RFID_Attendance_Circuit.png          # Wiring schematic
├── Documentation/
│   └── Component_Connections.md             # Detailed connections
└── README.md                                # This file

• handleRFIDScan() - Processes card detection and logging
• handleButtons() - Manages menu navigation
• displayHomeScreen() - Updates LCD with time/status
• logAttendance() - Stores records in EEPROM
• readPersonalData() - Retrieves card information

RFID Cards Not Detected

• Check SPI connections (pins 10-13)
• Verify 3.3V power to MFRC522
• Try different RFID cards (Mifare Classic 1K)

LCD Display Issues

• Scan I2C address (may be 0x3F instead of 0x27)
• Check I2C connections (A4/A5)
• Adjust contrast potentiometer

Time Resets on Power Loss

• Replace CR2032 battery in RTC module
• Check RTC module connections

Data Loss Issues

• Verify EEPROM connections
• Check AT24C32 module functionality

• Student Attendance - Automated classroom tracking
• Library Access - Book borrowing management
• Hostel Entry - Secure dormitory access

• Employee Time Tracking - Work hour monitoring
• Meeting Room Access - Conference room management
• Visitor Management - Guest entry logging

• Shift Management - Worker schedule tracking
• Safety Compliance - Restricted area monitoring
• Contractor Access - Temporary worker management

• WiFi Connectivity - ESP8266 integration for IoT capabilities
• Mobile App - Android/iOS app for remote monitoring
• Biometric Security - Fingerprint sensor integration
• Camera Module - Photo capture for verification
• Database Integration - MySQL/MongoDB connectivity
• Multi-Location - Network multiple units
• Access Control - Door lock integration
• Web Dashboard - Real-time monitoring interface

We welcome contributions! Please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature)
3. Commit changes (git commit -m 'Add AmazingFeature')
4. Push to branch (git push origin feature/AmazingFeature)
5. Open a Pull Request

• Follow Arduino coding standards
• Test all modifications thoroughly
• Update documentation for new features
• Include comments for complex code sections

• 📖 Complete Tutorial: CircuitDigest - RFID Attendance System Guide
• 📚 More Arduino Projects: Circuit Digest Arduino Collection
• 🎓 RFID Tutorials: RFID Projects and Guides

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Built with ❤️ by Circuit Digest | Making Electronics Simple

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