Hi, apologies for the new comer post.
I would like to delve into electronics, currently, I know the very basics regarding the subject.
But, I am a fast learner and willing to learn about it. I can search the internet to obtain relevant information.
I am a software developer, so, the programming side of things are not a problem for me, but, hardware/electronics are not my strongest point.
I had an idea and was wondering if I could create a concept using Arduino boards.
Essentially, I would have multiple "slots" where cards would be placed, where each card would be equipped with an NFC tag, that would then be read. The information would be sent to a server with wireless internet, so, either WiFi or using a SIM card or something similar.
Appropriate data would then be downloaded to the Arduino board and would display some information on some form of display.
Each "slot" would have their own LEDs which would indicate whether the "slot" was active or not.
I was wondering if I would need multiple NFC readers for each slot (if I wanted to identify each one individually)?
I understand some of the requirements of the project, that is, what hardware would be required, at least for the prototype.
I understand I would require a card equipped with an NFC tag (I have bought NFC stickers for temporary); (multiple?) NFC tag readers; LEDs; an Arduino board; a WiFi/3G SIM module.
And then a bunch of wires and a breadboard to connect all of the stuff together.
What information should I search up before starting on this?
I apologise for the vague post, and I will try to provide more information if required/upon request, as I don't know what extent of information I should put.
Essentially, I would have multiple "slots" where cards would be placed, where each card would be equipped with an NFC tag, that would then be read. The information would be sent to a server with wireless internet, so, either WiFi or using a SIM card or something similar.
Why not number slots 0-7 and use an 3-bits of an 8-bit port to read which slots are populated... that scan could then additionally used (if card is found) the other 5-bits to represent the card capability. A look-up in EEPROM (or PROGMEM flash) could provide communication info. Something like the old IBM PC ROM space but using solder bridges (switches) to provide data. This could be enhanced by future optical or RFID capability. But I think the POC should be simple... you are not working with a lots of RAM resources.
I think that you missed the difference between microprocessors and microcontrollers. A microprocessor has dedicated address and data lines, which allow to connect arbitrary addressable cards. The interface chips for a microprocessor have address and data lines as well, and two read/write or chip select pins. A microcontroller instead has I/O pins, for direct connection to I/O pins of external circuits. This means that every "card" must be connected to different I/O pins.
If you really want a bus system with exchangeable cards, a one wire or two wire (I2C) bus is the way to go. This will also answer your NFC question, because every device on such a bus must have a unique address. The many available chips with I2C interface have fixed built-in addresses, so that the controller can determine which (responding) slave types are actually attached to the bus.
Else the Arduino Mega has a memory interface, with dedicated address and data lines, which allows access also to old style microprocessor peripheral chips.