How to choose between AC700F, AC800F, and AC900F controllers for your Freelance DCS application.
New projects: Start with AC900F for best-in-class cybersecurity and future-proof capabilities. Cost-sensitive small projects: Consider AC700F for up to ~500 I/O. Existing AC800F systems: Continue with AC800F for consistency, or upgrade to AC900F for new areas.
The Freelance DCS uses F-line controllers—the "F" designating the Freelance product family. All three generations remain active products with full ABB support. They share the same DigiVis engineering environment and can coexist on the same network.
Compact Controller
Entry-level controller for small process applications. Compact form factor with integrated I/O options.
Mid-Range Controller
Proven workhorse for medium process applications. Extensive installed base with excellent reliability record.
Next-Gen Controller
Latest generation with enhanced cybersecurity, edge computing, and modern connectivity for Industry 4.0.
| Feature | AC700F | AC800F | AC900F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical I/O Capacity | ~500 | ~2,000 | ~2,500+ |
| Controller Redundancy | No | Yes | Yes |
| IEC 62443 Cybersecurity | Limited | Partial | Full |
| Edge Computing | No | No | Yes |
| OPC UA Native | Via gateway | Via gateway | Built-in |
| PROFINET Support | Via CI867 | Via CI867 | Native |
| Form Factor | Compact | Modular | Modular |
| Relative Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Consider AC900F for latest capabilities and longest support horizon.
Match existing controllers for consistency, or upgrade new areas to AC900F.
AC700F is cost-effective choice.
AC800F or AC900F recommended.
Multiple AC800F/AC900F or consider System 800xA.
AC900F has IEC 62443 certification and native edge computing.
AC700F or AC800F with network security measures.
200 I/O, basic process control, no redundancy required
1,500 I/O, batch processing, redundancy required for critical reactors
1,000 I/O, strict cybersecurity requirements, cloud connectivity for analytics
Adding new production area to existing Freelance system
ABB maintains two parallel controller families for different market segments:
AC700F, AC800F, AC900F
Small to mid-size process applications
AC800M (PM860, PM861, etc.)
Enterprise-level facilities
Note: M-line did NOT replace F-line. The AC800M superseded the AC450 (Advant Master), not F-line controllers. Both families remain actively developed.
AC700F is the compact controller for small applications (up to ~500 I/O). AC800F is the mid-range controller for medium applications (up to ~2,000 I/O). AC900F is the latest generation with enhanced performance, cybersecurity, and edge computing capabilities for modern applications.
For new projects, the AC900F is generally recommended as the latest generation with best-in-class cybersecurity and future-proof capabilities. Choose AC800F for proven reliability in critical applications. AC700F suits small, cost-sensitive projects.
Yes. Freelance DCS architecture supports mixing AC700F, AC800F, and AC900F controllers on the same network. This allows you to choose the right controller for each area based on requirements and upgrade existing systems incrementally.
F-line controllers (AC700F, AC800F, AC900F) are for Freelance DCS—designed for small to mid-size process applications. M-line controllers (AC800M) are for System 800xA—designed for enterprise-level facilities. They are parallel product families, not replacements for each other.
No. All F-line controllers (AC700F, AC800F, AC900F) remain active products. ABB maintains long product lifecycles with extended support. The AC900F is the newest addition, but AC700F and AC800F continue to be manufactured and supported.
With 35+ years of ABB Freelance experience, Gross Automation can help you choose the right controller for your application—and provide competitive pricing on all ABB process automation products.
