RFID Secure Access Control System With Java Implementation

An Arduino-based RFID access control system that authenticates keycards and controls a solenoid lock via a relay module. Access attempts are logged in real time through a Java serial logger that writes timestamped entries to a local log file.

Course: Software Engineering | Manhattan University Team: Michael Zadrima, Myron Corpuz, Christian Hernandez

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Purpose

Traditional lock systems require physical keys that can be lost or duplicated. This project implements a keycard-based access control system using affordable, off-the-shelf components — demonstrating how security technology can be built efficiently with limited resources.

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How It Works

1. RFID reader scans a keycard and reads its UID
2. Arduino compares the UID against the stored authorized UID
3. If matched — relay activates, solenoid lock unlocks for 3 seconds
4. If denied — relay stays off, access is denied and logged
5. After 3 consecutive failed attempts — system locks out for 10 seconds
6. Java logger receives all serial output and writes timestamped entries to access_log.txt

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Demo

Watch Demo

Note: The demo shows the original version of the system. The current code includes additional features — failed attempt tracking, 10-second lockout after 3 denied scans, uptime timestamps, and automated Java access logging to a .txt file.

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Circuit Diagram

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Components & Wiring

Hardware

• Arduino Uno
• MFRC522 RFID Reader
• Relay Module
• 12V Solenoid Lock
• Breadboard & Jumper Wires

Pin Assignments

Component	Arduino Pin
RFID SS (SDA)	D10
RFID RST	D9
Relay Module	D8
RFID SCK	D13
RFID MOSI	D11
RFID MISO	D12

Software

• Arduino IDE
• Java with JSerialComm Library
• Eclipse IDE

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Features

• RFID keycard authentication against stored authorized UID
• Relay-controlled solenoid lock — unlocks for 3 seconds on valid scan
• Uptime timestamp printed on every scan
• Failed attempt counter displayed after each denial
• Auto-lockout for 10 seconds after 3 consecutive failed attempts
• Java serial logger with real-time timestamps
• Automatic logging to access_log.txt in append mode

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Sample Output

Java Console:

Connected to Arduino...
[2026-06-16 14:22:01] Arduino: System ready. Waiting for RFID card...
[2026-06-16 14:22:05] Arduino: [42s] Card detected.
[2026-06-16 14:22:05] Arduino: UID:  33 54 B9 03
[2026-06-16 14:22:05] Arduino: ACCESS GRANTED
[2026-06-16 14:22:15] Arduino: [55s] Card detected.
[2026-06-16 14:22:15] Arduino: UID:  AA BB CC DD
[2026-06-16 14:22:15] Arduino: ACCESS DENIED. Failed attempts: 1
[2026-06-16 14:22:25] Arduino: TOO MANY FAILED ATTEMPTS. SYSTEM LOCKED FOR 10 SECONDS.
[2026-06-16 14:22:35] Arduino: LOCKOUT LIFTED. System ready.

access_log.txt:

=== Session Started: 2026-06-16 14:22:00 ===
[2026-06-16 14:22:01] Connected to Arduino.
[2026-06-16 14:22:05] ✔ ACCESS GRANTED
[2026-06-16 14:22:15] ✘ ACCESS DENIED
[2026-06-16 14:22:20] ✘ ACCESS DENIED
[2026-06-16 14:22:25] ⚠ SYSTEM LOCKED
[2026-06-16 14:22:35] ✔ LOCKOUT LIFTED

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Test Results

Test Case	Expected Result	Actual Result	Pass/Fail
Valid Card Scan	Relay activates, unlocks	Relay clicks, unlocks	✅
Invalid Card Scan	No relay action, denied	No action, ACCESS DENIED	✅
Serial Output Check	Message shows result	Message shown	✅
Java Console Test	Message in console	Message appeared	✅

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Requirements

Functional

• Authenticate RFID keycards within 2 seconds
• Unlock solenoid for valid cards
• Log all access attempts (success & failure)
• Lock system after 3 consecutive failed attempts

Non-Functional

• Reliability: ≥95% system uptime
• Durability: Handle 100+ consecutive scans without failure
• Accuracy: Valid keycard scan succeeds with ≥99% reliability

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Libraries & Dependencies

Arduino

• SPI.h (built into Arduino IDE)
• MFRC522 — install via Arduino Library Manager

Java

• jSerialComm — add via Maven or download from fazecast.github.io/jSerialComm

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Setup

1. Upload rfid_access_control.ino to Arduino Uno
2. Wire components per the table above
3. Update authorizedUID[] in the Arduino code with your card's UID
4. Update serial_port in RFIDLogger.java to match your COM port
5. Run RFIDLogger.java in Eclipse with jSerialComm on the classpath
6. Scan cards — access log will be written to access_log.txt

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Future Work

• Buzzer and LED feedback for granted/denied without needing a screen
• Admin interface to add/remove authorized cards
• Multiple user support with named card profiles
• LCD display for on-device status feedback