instructables
MFRC522 RFID Reader Interfaced With NodeMCU
by TheCircuit
Hello Makers,
I'm back with another Instructable.
Did you ever wonder what is an RFID or how does it
work?
If you have noticed in an office before, you would be
probably aware of those RFID cards or Tags that
MFRC522 RFID Reader Interfaced With NodeMCU: Page 1
would unlock specific doors depending on your
access.
Well let’s make a simple NodeMCU RFID reader
using the MFRC522 module, and program the
NodeMCU to provide access when the right card is
detected. This simple example will read the serial
number on the Card or Tag, display it in the serial
monitor.
Step 1: Materials Required

Here is the list of components required to get started with the Instructable,

Hardware Components

NodeMCU
MFRC522 RFID Reader
RFID Tags ( 13.56 MHz )
Bread Board
Jumper Wires
Micro USB Cable

Software Components

Arduino IDE

Step 2: Description

What's RFID?

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag
attached to an object. A tag can be read from up to several feet away and does not need to be within direct line-of-
sight of the reader to be tracked. This is the advantage over Bar-code.

> A RFID reader is a device used to gather information from an RFID tag, which is used to track individual objects.
Radio waves are used to transfer data from the tag to a reader.

> A passive tag is an RFID tag that does not contain a battery, the power is supplied by the reader. When radio
waves from the reader are encountered by a passive rfid tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic
field. The tag draws power from it, energizing the circuits in the tag.

Specifications

1. Input voltage: 3.3v

2. Frequency: 13.56MHz

That's all guys lets get into Connections & Coding part.

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Step 3: Pin Wiring

Check the schematic and pin configuration to make connections.

Caution: You must power this device to 3.3V!

MFRC522 RFID Reader Interfaced With NodeMCU: Page 4

Step 4: Library Download

Before you download library you need Arduino IDE to get started.

To download Arduino IDE and for NodeMCU setup, you can check my previous instructacle.

Interface Servo Motor with NodeMCU

Here’s the library you need for this project:

1. Download the RFID library here created by miguelbalboa.

2. Unzip the RFID library.
3. Install the RFID library in your Arduino IDE.
4. Restart your Arduino IDE

MFRC522 RFID Reader Interfaced With NodeMCU: Page 5

Step 5: Reading Data From a RFID Tag

After having the circuit ready The next step is to write some code to play with RFID
cards.
Go to File > Examples > MFRC522 > DumpInfo > Download the "RFID_Access.ino" file and open it up
Upload the code. in the Arduino IDE.

This code will be available in your Arduino IDE (after Then Create a new sketch and paste the code below
installing the RFID library). in the arduino IDE and hit Upload.

Then, open the serial monitor. You should see You can tinker with it if you like based on the
something like the image above. application, or just use it as it is.

Write down your UID card ( " Card UID : xx xx xx xx

" ) because you’ll need it later.

Download (https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/F40/N76F/J48Q16DE/F40N76FJ48Q16DE.ino)
http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/F40/N76F/J48Q16DE/F40N76FJ48Q16DE.ino
…

(https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/F40/N76F/J48Q16DE/F40N76FJ48Q16DE.ino)

Step 6: Demonstration

Swipe the card you’ve chosen to give access and you’ll see an access message popup on serial monitor.

If you swipe another tag with another UID, the denial message will pop up.

That's all makers!

I hope you found this instructable most useful.

You can contact me by leaving a comment. If you like this instructable probably you might like my next ones.

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