Bridge MDB Vending Systems with Modern Technology

MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) is a legacy protocol used in vending machines for connecting payment devices like bill acceptors and card readers. Our solutions make it easy to connect MDB systems with modern computers, cloud platforms, and embedded systems.

  • • Works with Raspberry Pi, PC, and embedded systems
  • • Supports USB, Serial, and Network integration
  • • Built for real-time vending communication
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Hardware Engineering

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MDB Explained

A comprehensive guide to the communication standard developed in the 1980s for vending machines.

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MDB Master

Connecting Raspberry Pi or PCs to act as the central Vending Machine Controller (VMC).

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MDB Slave

Implementing custom payment systems or peripherals that appear as standard MDB devices.

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Technical Network

What is MDB (Multi-Drop Bus)?

MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) is a communication standard developed in the 1980s to connect vending machine components such as coin acceptors, bill validators, and cashless payment systems to a central controller (VMC). Our MDB interfaces act as a bridge between legacy vending systems and modern computing environments.

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9-bit communication protocol Requires hardware-level handling for unique serial requirements.
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Real-time response handling Strict timing requirements for peripheral stability and error-free operation.
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Electrically different Different from modern USB/Serial interfaces, requiring isolation and level shifting.

MDB Hardware & Software Solutions

Explore a complete ecosystem of MDB interfaces designed for development, integration, and deployment.

MDB-USB Interface

Features: USB 2.0 interface, Dual MDB connectors, Sniffing capability, Standalone mode.

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USB Hardware
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MDB Pi HAT

Turn your Raspberry Pi into a powerful MDB Master or Slave. Features custom software integration.

PART NO: MDB-PH-V2.1

MDB Toolchest

Advanced diagnostic software for bus analysis, message simulation, and packet inspection.

LINUX ARM

Built for Developers & Engineers

Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Custom software integration, Real-time communication, and Flexible APIs.

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Access detailed documentation, integration guides, and developer tools to quickly get started on your next project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Specifications & Integration

What is MDB (Multi-Drop Bus)?

MDB is an industry standard protocol designed in the 1980s that connects a Vending Machine Controller (VMC) to peripherals such as coin acceptors, bill validators, and cashless systems.

How does the MDB-USB Interface work?

The interface acts as a hardware bridge, handling the strict 9-bit serial timing requirements of the MDB protocol, and translates it into standard USB serial commands that any modern PC or Raspberry Pi can understand.

Do I need special software to use MDB to PC interfaces?

No proprietary software is strictly required. You can communicate with the interfaces using standard serial port libraries in Python, C++, Java, or Node.js. We provide a developer manual to get you started.

Can I use MDB interfaces for cashless payments?

Yes, our MDB Slave and MDB Master solutions fully support cashless payment device integration, allowing you to build custom terminals or convert existing machines to accept modern remote payments.