MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) is a standard communication protocol that is used in the vending machine industry. The communication between the many devices on the vending machines uses MDB. Another common standard for Japan’s vending machine is VCCS.
MDB communication is coordinated by a main VMC (Vending Machine Controller). It is the central place where all the connected MDB devices are connected to. VMC will control and get status of all the connected MDB devices.
Typical device inside a vending machine that uses MDB are,
- Cashless Device (Cashless Card Payment Terminal)
- Changer
- Communication Gateway (Internet network)
- Display
- Energy Management System
- Bill Validator
- Universal Satellite Device
- Coin Hopper or Tube
- Age Verification Device
MDB Cashless Device Standard Payment Process
The procedure of a standard vending payment process perform by a standard MDB Cashless Card Payment Terminal is as follows,
- Customer will tap their card on the payment terminal to begin the transaction.
This process will trigger the vending machine to wake up, and present the customer with a range of choices that can be selected on the vending machine. - Next, the customer will make their selection from the range of available choices.
- Once the choice is made, the payment terminal will receive the amount that needs to be collected from the customer. The amount to be collected is displayed on the payment terminal.
- The customer will review the price amount. If the amount is correct, the customer can proceed to make the payment by tapping with their card again on the terminal.
- If the payment is successful, the payment terminal will inform the vending machine that the payment is received. The machine will then proceed with what the customer wanted.
