Description
The ABB PM803F (Part Number: 3BDH000530R1) is a high-performance Central Processing Unit for the Freelance 800F distributed control system (DCS). It serves as the “brain” of the AC 800F controller, managing logic execution, communication with I/O modules, and data exchange with the operator interface.
Product Parameters (Datasheet)
- Model Number: PM803F
- Part Number: 3BDH000530R1
- Processor Architecture: 32-bit RISC high-speed processor
- RAM Memory: 16 MB (with battery backup)
- Flash Memory: 8 MB (for firmware and project storage)
- Maximum I/O: Supports up to 1000+ I/O points depending on the complexity of the application
- Power Supply: 24 V DC
- Expansion Slots: 4 slots for communication modules (e.g., Ethernet, PROFIBUS, CAN)
- Diagnostics: Integrated LED indicators for CPU status, power, and communication errors

ABB PM803F 3BDH000530R1

ABB PM803F 3BDH000530R1

ABB PM803F 3BDH000530R1
Country of Origin
This DCS controller is engineered and manufactured by ABB in Germany, specifically for the global Freelance process automation platform.
Application Fields
The PM803F is used in small-to-medium-sized process plants across several industries:
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical: Managing batch processes, reactor temperature control, and dosing systems.
- Food & Beverage: Controlling pasteurization, bottling lines, and clean-in-place (CIP) cycles.
- Water & Wastewater: Operating pumping stations, filtration logic, and chemical treatment monitoring.
- Building Materials: Handling mixing and kiln controls in cement and glass production.
- Power & Utilities: Monitoring auxiliary systems and district heating networks.
Product Usage Instructions
- Hardware Assembly: Mount the PM803F onto the AC 800F basic unit (Baseplate). Ensure the mounting screws are tightened to provide a secure physical and electrical connection.
- Communication Configuration: Install the necessary communication modules (e.g., EI 803F for Ethernet) into the CPU slots to establish connectivity with the control network.
- Battery Installation: Insert a fresh lithium battery into the dedicated compartment to ensure that the RAM-resident user program and data are retained during power outages.
- Software Integration: Use the Freelance Engineering tool to define the hardware configuration, write your logic (FBD, ST, or SFC), and download the project to the PM803F.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure the firmware revision of the PM803F matches the version of the Freelance engineering software being used to avoid compatibility issues.
Product Technical Description
The PM803F is the core component of the AC 800F compact controller. Technically, it is designed for maximum reliability in an industrial environment, featuring a fanless design and high immunity to electromagnetic interference. The module handles all the real-time processing required for the plant, including the execution of function blocks for PID control, logic gates, and timers. Its modular design allows it to be customized for various fieldbus types (PROFIBUS DP, CAN, FOUNDATION Fieldbus) by simply adding the corresponding plug-in modules. The 16 MB of RAM provides sufficient workspace for complex control strategies and historical data buffering.
Q&A (Common Questions)
- Q: What is the difference between the PM802F and the PM803F?
- A: The PM803F typically offers significantly more RAM (16 MB vs. 4 MB or 8 MB in earlier models), allowing for larger application programs and more complex data processing.
- Q: Does the PM803F support redundancy?
- A: Yes, the Freelance system allows for a redundant pair of AC 800F controllers (two PM803F units) to ensure system availability in case of a hardware failure.
- Q: How can I tell if the backup battery is low?
- A: The CPU features a dedicated “BATT” LED that will light up or flash when the battery voltage drops below a safe threshold.
- Q: Can this unit be used with S800 I/O?
- A: Yes, by adding a PROFIBUS Master module (like the FI 830F) to one of the CPU slots, the PM803F can control S800 I/O stations.
Similar Model Recommendations
- ABB PM802F: Lower memory version for simpler applications.
- ABB EI 803F: Ethernet communication module for AC 800F.
- ABB FI 830F: PROFIBUS DP Master module for fieldbus connectivity.
- ABB SA 811F: Power supply module for the AC 800F controller.
- ABB AM 811F: Analog Input/Output module for local I/O expansion.
For technical documentation or a formal quote on the ABB PM803F, please contact our process automation team.

