Description
Freelance is a full-fledged distributed control system that combines the advantages of DCS and PLC: the small footprint of a PLC, together with the full functionality of a DCS.
The integrated environment simplifies engineering, commissioning, maintenance and fieldbus management. The intuitive operator interface enables easy operation and diagnosis of the entire system. Freelance is proven more then 30 years and fully compatible with older versions.
With this new version, Freelance takes the next step into the future. Freelance 2024 provides significant improvements in all areas: scalability, usability, connectivity, compatibility and security.
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange. The updated version ensures future-proof upgrades for existing projects and easy implementation in new projects.
Freelance 2024 facilitates enhanced connectivity, faster data transfer, more precise control and monitoring of data together with an improved network performance, leveraging the new PROFINET integration and support of Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (APL).
With its scalability and integration capabilities, Freelance 2024 is designed to help plant operators reduce downtime while simplifying tasks. NAMUR Open Architecture support via OPC UA ensures secure and more standardized data exchange across various systems and devices, increasing interoperability and simplifying the integration of new technologies. Plant agility is further enhanced thanks to Freelance 2024 controllers, which support Module Type Packages (MTP) for ‘plug and play’ Modular Automation.
As plant owners prepare for the next-generation workforce, Freelance 2024 helps bridge the skills gap with an intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces training time and simplifies engineering, operations and maintenance.
What’s new?
PROFINET support for the AC 900F controller:
With its real-time communication capabilities, Freelance is now capable to fully integrate the leading Ethernet protocol for communication between devices and industrial automation systems. It ensures reliable data transmission, supports flexible network topologies, and provides device configuration and diagnostics.
Freelance 2024 now supports PROFINET communication on AC 900F controller with the multipurpose Ethernet Communication Interface. This CI 940F module has a 100BaseT Ethernet interface that can run with the PROFINET protocol. It supports S1 and S2 redundancy and up to 128 PROFINET devices. In combination with controller redundancy, this CI (Communication Interface) is also redundant and ensures highest availability
Ready for Ethernet-APL:
Ethernet-APL technology provides a secure, highspeed, two-wire powered Ethernet solution, overcoming PROFIBUS PA limitations with extended cable lengths and enhanced data access. It supports both PROFIBUS PA and APL devices, utilizing the PROFINET communication to the controller.
Modular Automation with Freelance:
Freelance 2024 implements the industry-standard Module Type Package (MTP). The new Module Designer facilitates seamless MTP integration, enabling effortless setup and integration with the Orchestration Layer. This advancement in modular automation simplifies system design and enhances interoperability.
NOA support via OPC UA:
The OPC UA Gateway enables secure process data exchange. Freelance 2024 fully embraces NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) through OPC UA, allows seamless integration of process data with Digital Operational Infrastructure for monitoring and optimization purposes, leveraging open standards and secure communication protocols.
More displays to Freelance Operations Lite:
Freelance 2024 expands the possible number of graphic display (FGR) capabilities in Freelance Operations Lite, offering increased license scalability, start small and grow from there.
New license hardkey and softkey:
New licensing options includes softkeys, ideal for touch notebooks and virtual environments. For multi-device flexibility, portable driver-less hardkeys are available, offering a versatile solution to meet diverse operational needs.
Auto-convert for Trend & Log archives:
Freelance 2024 introduces automatic conversion of Trend & Log archives to Microsoft Excel for easier analysis, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.
Support of Microsoft Defender:
ABB strongly recommends users to install virus scan software to be able to identify viruses and other malware on all Freelance nodes. Trellix Endpoint Security and Symantec Endpoint Protection has been tested and qualified for this purpose. In addition to that, now Microsoft Defender Anti-Virus Solution is supported with Freelance 2024. This can reduce installation effort and cost.
Freelance 2024 supports Windows 11:
With the release of Freelance 2024, the software now runs on Microsoft Windows 11, providing enhanced compatibility and security. We recommend upgrading to Windows 11 to ensure better operation and security for your Freelance installation.
Stock part list:
ABB DAI01
ABB DAI05 0336025MR
ABB DRA02 0369673M
ABB SA801F 3BDH000011R1
ABB DLM02 0338434M
ABB EI 813F 3BDH000022R1
ABB SA 811F 3BDH000013R1
ABB SD 802F 3BDH000012R1
ABB SD 812F 3BDH000014R1
ABB DAI03 0369631MR
ABB DAI04 0369632M
ABB DAO01 0369629M
DDI01
DDO01
Post time: Jan-22-2026