Description

Description
ABB SAM3.0 is a software application that acts as a license manager and component repository for ABB’s automation engineering tools.It enables users to:
Install and manage software licenses for programming environments like Control Builder M(used for AC500 PLCs).
Download and update software libraries,function blocks,and device drivers.
Activate offline licenses using activation request files(for air-gapped or secure networks).
Manage multiple users and stations in networked environments(via SAM3.0 License Server).
Ensure version control and compliance across engineering teams.
SAM3.0 is typically installed on a PC or engineering workstation before using Control Builder M,Drive Builder,or other ABB engineering software.It communicates with ABB’s online portal to authenticate and download licensed components.
Application Scenarios
At a water treatment plant in Canada,engineers were deploying a new ABB AC500 PLC system for pump control.When they installed Control Builder M,the software failed to start,displaying”License Not Found.”Investigation revealed that SAM3.0 was not installed.After downloading and installing SAM3.0,the engineer logged into their ABB account,downloaded the required license,and activated it.Control Builder M then launched successfully,allowing them to program the PLC.Later,when upgrading to a new version of a motor control library,SAM3.0 automatically notified them of available updates and handled the download and installation.This streamlined the engineering workflow and ensured all team members used consistent,licensed software versions.
Key Features and Parameters
Feature Description
Software Name ABB Software Asset Management 3.0(SAM3.0)
Version 3.0(successor to SAM2.0)
Primary Use License and software component management
Core Functionality-License activation(online/offline)<br>-Software library downloads<br>-Version updates<br>-Multi-user license server support
Supported Products-ABB AC500 PLC series<br>-ABB AC500-eCo<br>-ABB 800xA systems<br>-Control Builder M/Plus<br>-Drive Builder
License Types-Standalone(single PC)<br>-Network(shared via SAM3.0 License Server)
Offline Activation Yes–Generate activation request file,upload to ABB portal,download response file
Operating System Windows 10,Windows 11(64-bit recommended)
Installation Size~500 MB(varies with libraries)
User Interface Graphical desktop application with tabbed navigation
Security Secure login with ABB Account,encrypted license files
Order Code/Download Free download from ABB’s support portal(e.g.,2602-7001)
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1:Centralized License Management–SAM3.0 eliminates the need for hardware dongles by using digital licenses tied to user accounts,improving flexibility and reducing loss risk.
Innovation Point 2:Offline Activation Support–Critical for industrial environments with no internet access(e.g.,nuclear plants,military facilities).Engineers can activate licenses via USB or email.
Innovation Point 3:Integrated Software Repository–Provides one-click access to ABB’s official libraries(e.g.,HVAC,motor control,safety),ensuring code consistency and compliance.
Innovation Point 4:Network License Server Option–Allows multiple engineers to share a pool of licenses,optimizing cost and resource utilization in large projects.
Innovation Point 5:Version Control&Update Notifications–Ensures all team members use compatible software versions,reducing integration errors.
Innovation Point 6:Seamless Integration with Control Builder M–Automatically detects installed licenses and libraries,streamlining the PLC programming workflow.
Application Cases and Industry Value
In an automotive manufacturing plant in Germany,a team of 10 automation engineers used Control Builder M to program AC500 PLCs for conveyor systems.The company deployed SAM3.0 License Server to manage 5 shared licenses,reducing software costs by 50%.When a new safety library was released,the system administrator used SAM3.0 to push the update to all stations,ensuring uniform safety logic across the production line.
At a remote mining site in Chile,engineers used SAM3.0 offline activation to deploy PLC programs in an isolated network,maintaining full licensing compliance without internet access.
Related Product Combination Solutions
ABB AC500 PLC:Primary target for programming via Control Builder M(requires SAM3.0)
ABB Control Builder M/Plus:Programming software for AC500–Depends on SAM3.0 for licensing
ABB 800xA:Distributed Control System–Uses SAM3.0 for engineering tool management
ABB PCM600:Protection relay configuration tool–Uses similar licensing(but not SAM3.0)
ABB Ability™services:Cloud-based asset management–Complementary to local SAM3.0
ABB eShop:Where users download SAM3.0 and request licenses
ABB Technical Support Portal:Access to SAM3.0 documentation,updates,and troubleshooting
Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support
Installation Steps:
Download SAM3.0 from ABB’s official support site.
Run installer on a Windows PC.
Launch SAM3.0 and log in with an ABB Account.
Download and activate required licenses(e.g.,”Control Builder M Full License”).
Install additional software(e.g.,Control Builder M),which will detect licenses from SAM3.0.
Maintenance:
Regularly check for software updates in SAM3.0.
Monitor license usage in network environments.
Backup license files and activation data.
ABB provides long-term support,including:
Online documentation
Video tutorials
Community forums
Direct technical support for activation issues
Conclusion
The ABB SAM3.0 is a software license and asset management tool,not a PLC.It is an essential prerequisite for using ABB’s Control Builder M and other engineering software,particularly for the AC500 PLC series.
For PLC hardware,consider ABB’s AC500,AC800M,or PM800 series.The SAM3.0 is indispensable for automation engineers,system integrators,and IT/OT managers who need to manage software licenses,ensure compliance,and maintain consistent engineering environments across teams and projects.