SENSORS/ACTUATORS

Arduino Nano - RFID - Relay

This tutorial instructs you how to use an Arduino Nano, RFID NFC RC522 module to control a relay. You can further extend this tutorial by using the relay to control motors, actuators, door lock, light bulb, and more.

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Arduino Nano
1	×	USB A to Mini-B USB cable
1	×	RFID/NFC RC522 Kit (reader + tags)
1	×	RFID Key Fob
1	×	Relay
10	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	(Optional) 9V Power Adapter for Arduino Nano
1	×	(Recommended) Screw Terminal Adapter for Arduino Nano

Or you can buy the following sensor kits:

1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Overview of RFID/NFC RC522 Module and Relay

If you are unfamiliar with the RFID/NFC RC522 Module and relay (pinout, how it works, how to program ...), you can find out more in the following tutorials:

Arduino Nano arduino rfid relay component

How It Works

The RFID/NFC reader reads the UID from the tag when a user taps it.
Arduino Nano then obtains the UID from the reader.
It compares this UID with the UIDs that have been predefined in the Arduino Nano code.
If the UID matches one of the predefined UIDs, the Arduino Nano will activate the relay.

Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

To simplify the connection, the pins of the RC522 module are directly connected to the pins of the Arduino. However, in certain cases, this can cause the Arduino to malfunction since its output pins generate 5V, while the pins of the RC522 module operate normally at 3.3V. Therefore, it is advisable to regulate the voltage between the pins of the Arduino and the RC522 module. For further details, please refer to the Arduino Nano - RFID RC522 tutorial. The diagram below illustrates how to regulate 5V to 3.3V using resistors:

The wiring diagram between Arduino Nano and RFID RC522 with voltage regulated

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

※ NOTE THAT:

The arrangement of pins may differ depending on the manufacturer. ALWAYS refer to the labels printed on the module. The image above displays the pinout of modules from DIYables manufacturer.

Arduino Nano Code - Single RFID/NFC Tag

/* * This Arduino Nano code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano/arduino-nano-rfid-relay */ #include <SPI.h> #include <MFRC522.h> #define RC522_SS_PIN 10 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to RC522's SS pin #define RC522_RST_PIN 5 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to RC522's RST pin #define RELAY_PIN A5 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to relay MFRC522 rfid(RC522_SS_PIN, RC522_RST_PIN); byte authorizedUID[4] = {0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF}; void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); SPI.begin(); // init SPI bus rfid.PCD_Init(); // init MFRC522 pinMode(RELAY_PIN, OUTPUT); // initialize pin as an output. digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // deactivate the relay Serial.println("Tap RFID/NFC Tag on reader"); } void loop() { if (rfid.PICC_IsNewCardPresent()) { // new tag is available if (rfid.PICC_ReadCardSerial()) { // NUID has been readed MFRC522::PICC_Type piccType = rfid.PICC_GetType(rfid.uid.sak); if (rfid.uid.uidByte[0] == authorizedUID[0] && rfid.uid.uidByte[1] == authorizedUID[1] && rfid.uid.uidByte[2] == authorizedUID[2] && rfid.uid.uidByte[3] == authorizedUID[3] ) { Serial.println("Authorized Tag"); digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, HIGH); // activate the relay for 2 seconds delay(2000); digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // deactivate the relay } else { Serial.print("Unauthorized Tag with UID:"); for (int i = 0; i < rfid.uid.size; i++) { Serial.print(rfid.uid.uidByte[i] < 0x10 ? " 0" : " "); Serial.print(rfid.uid.uidByte[i], HEX); } Serial.println(); } rfid.PICC_HaltA(); // halt PICC rfid.PCD_StopCrypto1(); // stop encryption on PCD } } }

Detailed Instructions

To discover the UID of an RFID/NFC tag, the first step is to upload code to Arduino Nano and open the Serial Monitor. Then, tap the tag on the RFID-RC522 module and view the UID on the Serial Monitor.

COM6

Send

Tap RFID/NFC tag on reader Unauthorized Tag with UID: 3A C9 6A CB

Autoscroll Show timestamp

Clear output

9600 baud

Newline

After obtaining the UID:

Alter line 18 of the code to reflect the UID, for example changing byte authorizedUID[4] = {0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0xFF}; to byte authorizedUID[4] = {0x3A, 0xC9, 0x6A, 0xCB};
Upload the updated code to the Arduino Nano
Place an RFID/NFC tag on the RFID-RC522 module
Check out the output on the Serial Monitor

COM6

Send

Tap RFID/NFC tag on reader Authorized Tag

Autoscroll Show timestamp

Clear output

9600 baud

Newline

Place an RFID/NFC tag on the RFID-RC522 module and observe the output on the Serial Monitor.

COM6

Send

Tap RFID/NFC tag on reader Authorized Tag Unauthorized Tag with UID: BD 1E 1D 00

Autoscroll Show timestamp

Clear output

9600 baud

Newline

※ NOTE THAT:

To ensure testing is straightforward, the active time is set to 2 seconds; however, it should be increased for practical use/demonstration.
Installation of the MFRC522 library is necessary. For more information, please refer to the Arduino Nano - RFID/NFC RC522 tutorial.

Arduino Nano Code - Multiple RFID/NFC Tags

It is possible to enable the relay by multiple RFID/NFC tags. Here, two tags are used as an illustration.

/* * This Arduino Nano code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano/arduino-nano-rfid-relay */ #include <SPI.h> #include <MFRC522.h> #define RC522_SS_PIN 10 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to RC522's SS pin #define RC522_RST_PIN 5 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to RC522's RST pin #define RELAY_PIN A5 // The Arduino Nano pin connected to relay MFRC522 rfid(RC522_SS_PIN, RC522_RST_PIN); byte authorizedUID1[4] = {0x3A, 0xC9, 0x6A, 0xCB}; byte authorizedUID2[4] = {0x30, 0x01, 0x8B, 0x15}; void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); SPI.begin(); // init SPI bus rfid.PCD_Init(); // init MFRC522 pinMode(RELAY_PIN, OUTPUT); // initialize pin as an output. digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // deactivate the relay Serial.println("Tap RFID/NFC Tag on reader"); } void loop() { if (rfid.PICC_IsNewCardPresent()) { // new tag is available if (rfid.PICC_ReadCardSerial()) { // NUID has been readed MFRC522::PICC_Type piccType = rfid.PICC_GetType(rfid.uid.sak); if (rfid.uid.uidByte[0] == authorizedUID1[0] && rfid.uid.uidByte[1] == authorizedUID1[1] && rfid.uid.uidByte[2] == authorizedUID1[2] && rfid.uid.uidByte[3] == authorizedUID1[3] ) { Serial.println("Authorized Tag 1"); digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, HIGH); // activate the relay for 2 seconds delay(2000); digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // deactivate the relay } else if (rfid.uid.uidByte[0] == authorizedUID2[0] && rfid.uid.uidByte[1] == authorizedUID2[1] && rfid.uid.uidByte[2] == authorizedUID2[2] && rfid.uid.uidByte[3] == authorizedUID2[3] ) { Serial.println("Authorized Tag 2"); digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, HIGH); // activate the relay for 2 seconds delay(2000); digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // deactivate the relay } else { Serial.print("Unauthorized Tag with UID:"); for (int i = 0; i < rfid.uid.size; i++) { Serial.print(rfid.uid.uidByte[i] < 0x10 ? " 0" : " "); Serial.print(rfid.uid.uidByte[i], HEX); } Serial.println(); } rfid.PICC_HaltA(); // halt PICC rfid.PCD_StopCrypto1(); // stop encryption on PCD } } }

Repeat the same steps as previously mentioned, then tap each tag on the RFID-RC522 module. The output on the Serial Monitor should appear as follows:

COM6

Send

Tap RFID/NFC tag on reader Authorized Tag 2 Authorized Tag 1

Autoscroll Show timestamp

Clear output

9600 baud

Newline

You can expand the code above to include three, four, or more tags.

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