Product Overview

The ABB 3BDS008790R09 is a critical software licensing component for ABB’s Freelance 2016 Distributed Control System (DCS), serving as the Operations Standard License that unlocks operator workstation functionality . Unlike conventional hardware control modules or I/O boards, the ABB 3BDS008790R09 provides the essential software authorization that transforms a standard PC into a fully functional Freelance operator station, enabling comprehensive process monitoring and control capabilities . This license authorization, accompanied by a physical USB hardware key (hardkey/dongle), grants operators access to the full suite of Freelance Operations Standard features including process tag control, graphical HMI displays, real-time and historical trending, alarm management, operator logging, and time scheduling functions .

The ABB 3BDS008790R09 is specifically designed for the Freelance 2016 platform, a versatile DCS solution widely deployed in mid-sized process automation applications across chemical processing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage industries . Each ABB 3BDS008790R09 license supports a single operator workstation and requires the corresponding hardware key to be physically connected to the workstation for license validation . This combination of software authorization and hardware key provides a robust, tamper-resistant licensing mechanism that ensures compliance while enabling rapid workstation replacement and recovery in the event of hardware failure . The ABB 3BDS008790R09 represents a critical inventory item for maintenance and engineering teams supporting Freelance 2016 installations, as operations cannot proceed without valid station licensing.

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	3BDS008790R09
Manufacturer	ABB
Product Type	Freelance 2016 Operations Standard License (Software Authorization + Hardware Key)
Series	Freelance 2016 DCS
License Type	Single Operator Workstation License
License Delivery Form	Installation Media + USB Hardware Key / Dongle
Core Functions	Process Tag Control, Graphic Display, Real-time/Historical Trends, Alarm List, Operator Log, Time Scheduler, SFC Display, Extended Diagnostics, Web Runtime, Archive Browser
Display Support	Dual Monitor Support
OS Compatibility	Microsoft Windows (versions per Freelance 2016 Release Notes)
Server Requirement	No Dedicated Server Required
Hardware Requirement	1 Hardware Key per Workstation
Compatibility	Freelance 2016, Freelance 2019 (version-dependent)

 

Main Features and Advantages

Comprehensive operator functionality: The ABB 3BDS008790R09 enables full-featured operator station operation, providing complete control over process tags, graphical faceplates, and detailed HMI screens . Operators can access real-time trend displays for immediate process analysis and historical archives for post-event investigation . The ABB 3BDS008790R09 also includes a comprehensive alarm list, operator action logs, and time-based scheduling capabilities, making it an all-in-one solution for process supervision. The inclusion of Sequence Function Chart (SFC) display and expanded diagnostics further enhances the operator’s ability to monitor and troubleshoot complex batch and continuous processes .

Hardware key based security: The ABB 3BDS008790R09 is delivered as a physical hardware key (USB dongle) along with installation media, ensuring that license validation is tied to a tangible device that must be present for the workstation to operate . This approach provides a robust, tamper-resistant licensing mechanism that eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with purely software-based activation. In the event of a PC failure, the operator can install the Freelance software on a replacement computer, insert the ABB 3BDS008790R09 hardware key, and have the workstation operational without requiring complex re-licensing procedures or online activation .

Seamless integration and upgrade path: The ABB 3BDS008790R09 is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Freelance 2016 engineering environment, with the license automatically recognized by the system upon hardkey insertion . The license supports dual monitor configurations, allowing operators to view process graphics on one screen while monitoring trends and alarms on another . While the ABB 3BDS008790R09 is primarily intended for Freelance 2016, the license is also reportedly compatible with Freelance 2019 in some configurations, though version verification is recommended . This compatibility extends the useful life of the license investment across system upgrades.