Simulation and Construction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Based Door Locking System Using Smart Card

Doors are meant for security and safety to prevent intrusions from unwanted persons. However, traditional locking mechanisms, reliant on physical keys, present significant challenges including loss, theft, and unauthorized duplication, which compromise the safety of individuals and properties. This research focuses on the simulation and construction of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based door locking system utilizing smart card authentication. Simulation was performed using Proteus 8.0 to design and verify the RFID-based circuit before implementation. Embedded C was used to program the microcontroller, ensuring logical control of the door locking mechanism based on RFID authentication. The physical construction was done on a Vero board using LGT8F328P microcontroller, RC522 RFID reader, 12V solenoid lock, and relay. The system was powered using a 12V DC adapter. Testing involved scanning 4 RFID cards and 1 RFID tag—only 1 card and 1 tag were registered in memory. Simulation result showed reliable activation of lock/unlock functions, with the system responding in under 1 second per card authentication. LED indicators displayed clear lock and unlock status throughout the process. The findings indicate that the RFID system provides a robust alternative to traditional locking mechanisms, mitigating issues related to lost or stolen keys while enhancing user convenience. This work contributes to the field of access control systems by demonstrating the feasibility of RFID technology in improving security measures for individuals and organizations.