Freelance provides both, operator level and process level. The operator level contains the functions for operation, process monitoring, archives and logs, trends and alarms. Open-loop and closed-loop control functions are processed in the controllers, which communicate with actors and sensors in the field.
The DigiVis operator level
The tool for the operator is DigiVis. It is a piece of software, which runs on a simple PC-environment under the Microsoft Windows operating system. It installs in few minutes. DigiVis supports dual-monitor operation, which offers the benefit to
stay continuously tuned with essential information like the alarm list, while inspecting at the same time for example the progress of a sequential function chart, trend archives, or the system display with extended diagnostics. In a plant, several
DigiVis operator stations can work seamlessly together.
The Control Builder F engineering station is used to configure and commission the system including DigiVis. Usually, portable equipment such as laptops, which allow configuration both in the office and on site, is used. The operator level PCs can also be used as engineering station. A permanent connection to the engineering system is not necessary.
The Freelance process level
A Freelance system can consist of between one and several AC 700F and AC 800F controllers and can be extended with different types of I/O units. You have the option of configuring your system either standard or fully redundant. AC 700F is meant for applications with up to 300 I/O signals per AC 700F controller. This PLC-like controller comes with a very small footprint. S700 direct I/O modules can be directly plugged to the controller module.
The connection to the Freelance control network is achieved via Ethernet. This allows among other advantages to place AC 700F directly in the field where needed, offering a very flexible and cost-effective solution when intelligent I/O modules are needed. S700 I/O modules can also be connected via Profibus. This allows for high flexibility in installation.
AC 800F can be equipped with a set of fieldbus modules, covering all major fieldbuses used in process automation. With AC 800F you have the option to run these controllers either redundantly (CPU redundancy, fieldbus module redundancy) or non-redundantly. With both controllers, fieldbuscompliant components such as remote I/O, field devices, and network components can be used. ABB offers equipment for standard and hazardous area applications.