HACH SC100 Universal Digital Controller

Overview

The HACH SC100 Universal Digital Controller is a robust, field-deployable platform engineered for continuous, real-time monitoring of water quality parameters in municipal, industrial, and environmental applications. Designed as the central interface for HACH’s extensive portfolio of digital smart sensors—including but not limited to pH, ORP, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorine, ammonium, nitrate, and suspended solids—the SC100 operates on a digital sensor architecture that eliminates analog signal degradation and enables precise, noise-immune data acquisition. Its core functionality is built upon bidirectional digital communication using HACH’s proprietary Smart Sensor Protocol (SSP), ensuring automatic sensor identification, calibration history retention, and firmware compatibility management. The controller supports both single- and dual-sensor configurations, making it adaptable to compact inline installations or multi-parameter monitoring stations without requiring additional hardware modules.

Key Features

• Universal digital interface compatible with over 20 HACH digital smart sensors—enabling seamless integration across diverse water quality measurement domains
• Dual independent 4–20 mA analog outputs (max. load 500 Ω) for process control loop integration or legacy system interfacing
• Three configurable SPDT relays (230 VAC, 5 A) supporting alarm activation, pump control, or dosing system triggering based on user-defined setpoints
• Multi-protocol serial communications: RS-232 (Modbus RTU) for PC-based configuration and data retrieval; RS-485 (Modbus RTU) for daisy-chained networks up to 32 nodes; optional Profibus DP interface for direct PLC/DCS integration
• NEMA 4X / IP66-rated enclosure providing protection against dust ingress, water jets, and corrosive atmospheres—suitable for outdoor and harsh industrial environments
• Intrinsically safe design certified for Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4 hazardous locations per UL/cUL standards
• Onboard non-volatile memory capable of storing months of time-stamped sensor readings (configurable sampling intervals from 1 second to 24 hours)
• True “plug-and-play” operation: automatic sensor detection, parameter auto-configuration, and calibration data synchronization upon connection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SC100 does not perform direct sample analysis but serves as the intelligent host for digital sensors compliant with HACH’s Smart Sensor ecosystem. It supports sensors designed for liquid-phase measurement in potable water, wastewater, surface water, cooling towers, and industrial process streams. All connected sensors must meet applicable regulatory requirements for their respective measurement principles—for example, EPA Method 180.1-compliant turbidity sensors or ASTM D1293-22-conforming pH probes. The controller itself complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emissions), and its hazardous location rating satisfies ANSI/ISA-12.12.01 and UL 1203 standards. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., drinking water utilities under U.S. EPA SDWA or EU WFD frameworks), the SC100—paired with validated sensors—supports audit-ready data logging aligned with GLP principles.

Software & Data Management

The SC100 operates independently without external software but integrates seamlessly with HACH’s suite of data management tools. Configuration and diagnostics are performed via HACH’s free SC100 Configuration Utility (Windows-based), which enables remote setup, firmware updates, relay logic programming, and calibration validation reporting. Logged data can be exported in CSV format for import into LIMS, SCADA historians, or cloud-based platforms such as HACH’s Asset Insight™ or third-party IIoT systems. While the SC100 does not natively support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signatures, its time-stamped, tamper-evident internal log—combined with secure Modbus TCP gateways and network-level authentication—facilitates compliance-ready deployments when integrated within validated IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Real-time monitoring of influent/effluent quality in municipal wastewater treatment plants
• Chlorine residual control and breakpoint chlorination optimization in drinking water distribution systems
• Conductivity and pH supervision in boiler feedwater and cooling tower chemistry programs
• Early-warning detection of organic loading shifts via DO and ammonium trends in activated sludge basins
• Regulatory compliance reporting for NPDES permits requiring continuous parameter tracking
• Remote telemetry sites where low-power, high-reliability operation and minimal maintenance are critical

FAQ

Can the SC100 operate with analog sensors?
No—the SC100 is exclusively designed for HACH digital smart sensors using the SSP protocol. Analog sensors require separate signal conditioning or an analog-capable controller such as the HACH CL17sc or HQ40d.
Is firmware update capability available in the field?
Yes—firmware upgrades can be performed locally via USB-to-serial adapter or remotely through Modbus-enabled network gateways, ensuring long-term compatibility with new sensor models.
What is the maximum cable length between the SC100 and a digital sensor?
Up to 300 meters (984 ft) using shielded twisted-pair cable meeting HACH’s recommended specifications (e.g., Belden 9501 or equivalent), depending on electromagnetic interference conditions.
Does the SC100 support redundant power inputs?
No—it accepts a single 18–30 VDC input; however, it is commonly deployed with external DC UPS systems in critical applications to ensure uninterrupted operation.
How is calibration data managed across multiple sensors?
Each digital sensor stores its own full calibration history, date stamps, and operator IDs internally; the SC100 retrieves and displays this information on-demand, eliminating manual logbook entries and supporting traceability requirements.