Honeywell HC900 Hybrid Controller ControlEdge 900

I. Product Overview

The ControlEdge™ HC900 is an advanced process automation controller from Honeywell, part of the ControlEdge 900 platform. It is a hybrid controller that combines the logic control capabilities of a PLC with the process control features of a DCS. Its modular, scalable design allows it to be used cost-effectively with a wide variety of process equipment.

To date, over 13,000 HC900 series systems have been installed globally, making it a mature, field-proven product.

II. Core Features and Functions

Feature Category Description

Modular Design Offers three I/O rack sizes (4, 8, and 12 slots) for flexible selection based on requirements, with easy future expansion.

Multi-level CPU Performance Provides various CPU grades including C30, C50, C70/C75 to meet different control needs.

PID Loop Control Provides high-quality PID loop control. The C30 supports up to 8 loops, while the C50/C70 supports up to 32 loops.

I/O Capacity Supports up to approximately 5,000 I/O points with configurable local or remote I/O racks.

Communication Protocols Supports Ethernet (Modbus/TCP), Serial Modbus RTU (Master/Slave), Peer-to-Peer communication (up to 9 controllers), as well as OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, etc.

Programming Software Windows-based Hybrid Control Designer software for graphical configuration of the controller and operator interface. Supports on-line editing without interrupting production.

Operator Interface Can be paired with the 900 Control Station (10" or 15" touchscreen) for an intuitive local operator interface, supporting data archiving and remote monitoring (optional GPRS module).

Redundancy Options Optional redundant power supplies and redundant CPUs to enhance system reliability.

SIL2 Safety Certification TUV certified for safety applications requiring SIL2 rating, such as Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and Burner Management Systems (BMS).

Recipe Management Built-in recipe handling capabilities, supporting up to 99 process curves for storing and recalling preset parameters.

Data Logging Supports local or historical station data logging, meeting industry regulatory requirements such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

III. Typical Application Industries

HC900 is widely used in industries requiring hybrid process control, with typical applications including:

Heat Treatment: Furnace control, kilns, dryers, autoclaves, high-temperature ovens (up to 2100°C atmosphere)

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: Drug formulation, fermenters, sterilizers, pilot plants

Chemical & Specialty Chemical: Batch processing, continuous process control

Food & Beverage: Pasteurizers, brewing processes

Glass & Ceramics: Glass furnaces, forehearths, glass tempering furnaces

Semiconductor: Wafer processing, crystal growth

Infrastructure: Boiler control, wastewater filtration, pump control, data center monitoring

Marine & Maritime: ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) certified, suitable for integrating shipboard process equipment.

IV. Related Product Series and Selection Guide

4.1 HC900 Controller Series (Core Components)

Category Model/Code Example Description

CPU Module 900C30-0460, 900C50-0460, 900C70-0460, 900C75-0460 Standard CPUs with C30/C50/C70/C75 performance levels.

Safety CPU 900C30S-0460, 900C50S-0460, 900S75S-0460 CPU models with SIL2 safety certification.

Rack (Backplane) 900R04-0200 (4-slot), 900R08-0200 (8-slot), 900R12-0200 (12-slot) R04/R08/R12 series.

Redundant Rack 900R08R-0200, 900R12R-0200 Racks supporting redundant configuration.

Power Supply Module 900PSM-0200, 900RSM-0200 Standard power supply / Redundant power supply module.

I/O Module 900B01-0301 (Discrete), 900A01-0202 (Analog), 900H01-0202 (HART), etc. Various I/O types available.

Programming Software 900 Control Designer Software Used for HC900 controller configuration.

Communication Module 900SP1, 900CP1, etc. Serial / Ethernet communication expansion.