Design and implementation of a central unit to an RFID-based safety system remote controlled by GPRS

Abstract: SafeTool has during 2004-2005 developed a security system based on RFID 1 technology. The system is primarily intended to be used on construction sites to attain safer and more efficient logistics regarding valuable tools. By marking each tool with an RFID tag the system can log the usage of it and protect it against theft. The system communicates through GPRS 2 with a central server that certified users can log on to and check the status for each tool. This thesis describes the process of designing the central unit to the SafeTool system. The main tasks for the central unit are to act as a communication hub, to control external devices and to collect data. The unit is based on AVR microcontrollers and the design process consists of different communication interfaces, output and input control and power management. In addition to this the process of choosing appropriate RFID technology is also described. The design process has resulted in a fully operable SafeTool system that will reach the market in the third quarter of 2005.