July 28, 2008 – ABB released the AC 700F process controller as part of its Freelance compact control system. This compact, robust controller offers exceptional process performance for small applications, for roughly the same price as PLCs that have less power and functionality. The AC 700F closes the gap between PLCs (Programmable Logic Controller) and complex process control systems. While traditional PLC automation systems are compact in size and lower in cost with fast processing speeds, they offer few engineering options and often lack convenient visualization capabilities. Larger process control systems integrate numerous components, such as controllers, engineering tools, human-machine-interfaces (HMI) and functionality such as asset optimization, safety and ERP integration.
ABB offers the Freelance compact DCS system as a hybrid control solution for smaller sized applications. It complements ABB’s portfolio of other system offerings, ranging from the AC 500 PLC for discrete processes, Compact Products 800 for standalone processes to its flagship Industrial IT Extended Automation System 800xA for larger, more complex processes that require visibility into and integration with multiple systems.
Unlike conventional PLC systems, AC 700F offers all of the benefits of the tools integrated in the Freelance system such Control Builder F engineering, ease-of-operation with DigiVis, pre-engineered visualization components such as faceplates, module diagnosis, extended troubleshooting capabilities, ready made system communication, event list, alarm line, trend displays or automatically generated sequence diagrams. These components can be used straight out of the box, eliminating the manual configuration that is required when using traditional PLCs. Freelance with the new AC 700F controller is available in numerous local languages; making this scalable solution attractive and easy to implement for system integrators around the world.
“The AC 700F provides our customers with a powerful, scalable control option for smaller applications, where a full size DCS solution would be much more than what is needed to do the job, and a PLC would not provide enough capability,” said Gero Lustig, Business Development Manager for Freelance at ABB. “The AC 700F is the right sized solution for these applications, as it provides superior functionality and ease of use, with the option to expand into a larger system, for roughly the same cost as a traditional PLC.” ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 115,000 people.