RFID-Based Attendance System: Design, Implementation, And Performance Analysis Using ESP32 Microcontroller With RC522 RFID Module And I2C LCD Display

Abstract: In most colleges and schools, attendance is still taken using roll calls or written registers. This method takes time and sometimes leads to mistakes, and students may also give proxy attendance.

Because of these problems, an RFID-based attendance system is developed in this work using ESP32, MFRC522 RFID reader, and a 16x2 I2C LCD display.
The system works by scanning RFID cards that operate at 13.56 MHz. Each card has its own unique ID. When a card is placed near the reader, the ID is read using SPI communication and then checked with the IDs already stored in the system. If the ID matches, access is allowed, otherwise it is denied. The result is shown on the LCD screen immediately.

The hardware and software parts were implemented using Embedded C in Arduino IDE. During testing, the system was able to read cards correctly within a small distance of around 0–30 mm. The response time was also quick, usually within about 200 milliseconds.

From the results, the system is simple, reliable, and low in cost, so it can be used easily in real environments. In future, this system can be improved by adding Wi-Fi, storing data in the cloud, and creating a web page to view attendance records.

Keywords: RFID, ESP32, Attendance System, MFRC522, SPI, I2C LCD, Embedded Systems, Arduino IDE