The Multi-Media Module (M3) product family is based on the System-on-Module (SoM) plus carrier board structure.
An SoM is a type of single-board computer made to plug into a carrier board for system expansion. SoM provides upgradability/scalability by changing the SoM module from the same pin-compatibility family with a module that meets the new end-application requirements, making it easier to upgrade the original system later with added or expended functionality.
SoM can be replaced or upgraded without having to replace the carrier board. SoM provides a plug and play type advantage. Both the SoM and carrier board offer the complete system; they usually include a display, connectivity, GPIO, and other subsystems in a single computer module.
SoM can help engineers speed up a product to market by starting the project using the most powerful SoM module and adjusting or scaling the SoM for the final product needs. This approach could also apply to adding or subtracting a feature by selecting a different SoM module since SoM based designs are usually scalable with various CPU/GPU choices (solo lite, solo, dual lite, dual, quad lite, quad, quad plus core).
All the M3 products have an option for a built-in 802.11 b/g/n/ac “Wave 2” WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity module. This option allows devices to emit beacons and offer peer-to-peer connectivity with mobile phones. All VEST solutions are cloud-ready. VESTconnect360 enables equipment manufacturers to incorporate intelligence into their products, giving users the power to monitor and control assets in real-time, through the cloud, anytime and anywhere.
Venture Embedded Solutions Technology (VEST) offers several M3 hardware platforms. Our customers can create a custom HMI system in just a few steps:
The M3-Box platform was designed specifically for digital signage, information, and food ordering kiosks.
The M3-Box is powered by a VS8300 SoM housed in a fan-less mountable aluminum enclosure. The M3-Box supports up to two (2) Full-HD multi-touch panels and is equipped with audio input/output for a rich multimedia experience. Content can be uploaded to the device wirelessly or via Ethernet, making it simple to manage remotely.
The M3-Embedded platform is a flexible, performance scalable platform that offers a fast and easy integration solution for any application that requires an interactive user interface.
With a wide range of communication standards, the M3 platform delivers reduced cost, risk, and development time. The M3-Embedded is designed to support the flexible and scalable VEST VS8300 SoM.
The M3-Pro platform can help device manufacturers smooth the transition from conventional Human Machine Interface (HMI) to an Advanced interactive user interface that supports multimedia, touch, gesture, wireless connectivity, and much more features. The M3-Pro is designed to support the flexible and scalable VEST VS8300 SoM. This platform can support display size of up to 42”.
The M3-Lite platform, VEST’s most cost-optimized solution, is a customizable platform for integrating intuitive user interface and IoT (Internet of Things) features to any equipment with ease. M3-Lite leverages the cost-effective VEST VS5100 SoM. OEMs can choose from a selection of 4.3”, 7” or 10.1” compatible low-profile display panels with a multi-touch interface, dynamic screens, including video, giving their equipment a modern, refreshing look. This platform was designed specifically for equipment requiring Human Machine Interface or Graphical User Interface (HMI/GUI).
Summary Table
| Product Family | Target Application |
| M3-Box | Digital signage, Information, and Food ordering kiosk with enclosure |
| M3-Embedded | Digital signage, Information and Food ordering kiosk without enclosure and equipment in need of advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) that supports multimedia, multi-touch, and gesture |
| M3-Pro | Equipment in need of an advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) that supports multimedia, multi-touch, gesture, and many connectivity protocols |
| M3-Lite | Equipment in need of a cost-optimized modern user interfaces and IoT (Internet of Things) enabled |
In Summary:
The M3 family of products provides ready to use solutions that will reduce the time and cost of embedded device development and ultimately create an end-product of the highest quality and reliability.
All the M3 products use the same production-ready software and have an option to come with a built-in 802.11 b/g/n/ac “Wave 2” WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity module. This option allows devices to emit beacons and offer peer-to-peer connectivity with mobile phones.
All VEST solutions are cloud-ready. VESTconnect360 enables equipment manufacturers to incorporate intelligence into their products, giving power to users to monitor and control assets in real-time, through the cloud, anytime and anywhere. VEST solutions can be found in all market segments: industrial, commercial, and consumer electronics.