What is the Horner CPU300?

The CPU300 is Horner's higher-performance modular controller. It combines logic control, I/O, HMI and networking in one application and supports modular OCS-I/O and HMI Connect displays.

How are Horner CPU controllers programmed?

Horner CPU controllers are programmed and configured with Horner Cscape software, providing a common engineering environment for controller logic, I/O and communications.

Horner CPU200, CPU250 and CPU300 Modular PLC Controllers

Q: What is the difference between the Horner CPU200 and CPU250?

The CPU200 has no built-in I/O and is intended for systems using modular OCS-I/O. The CPU250 includes 34 built-in I/O points and can also be expanded with OCS-I/O modules.

The Horner CPU Series provides a modular PLC platform for industrial automation applications where the controller, I/O and operator interface need to be selected to suit the machine or process. The current family includes the CPU200, CPU250 and CPU300, with options ranging from an economical controller using modular I/O through to a high-performance machine controller with HMI capability.

Horner CPU controllers integrate with the OCS-I/O modular I/O system and are programmed using Horner Cscape. This provides a scalable control architecture for OEM machinery, pump systems, water and wastewater, HVAC, material handling, process control and general factory automation.

Which Horner CPU Controller Should I Choose?

The best model depends mainly on whether built-in I/O is required and whether the application needs an integrated HMI architecture. The CPU200 and CPU250 are well suited to compact and distributed control applications, while the CPU300 is designed for higher-performance applications requiring advanced graphics and optional HMI Connect displays.

Horner CPU200 – Modular PLC Without Built-In I/O

The HE959CPU200 is a compact modular controller with no built-in I/O. It is designed for applications where the required input and output mix will be created using Horner OCS-I/O modules. Up to seven OCS-I/O modules can be added locally, allowing the controller to be configured around the actual requirements of the machine or process.

Ethernet, serial RS-232/RS-485 and CAN communications are available as standard, together with a USB-C programming connection. The CPU200 is a practical choice where flexible I/O selection, compact DIN-rail installation and network connectivity are more important than built-in I/O.

Horner CPU250 – Modular PLC With 34 Built-In I/O Points

The HE959CPU250 combines the CPU platform with 34 built-in I/O points. These comprise 8 DC digital inputs, 10 DC digital outputs, 8 flexible inputs that can be configured for digital or analogue signals, and 8 analogue outputs.

The CPU250 can also be expanded with up to seven local OCS-I/O modules. This makes it particularly useful for machines that need a substantial amount of standard I/O in the base controller while retaining the ability to add specialised analogue, temperature, high-speed or additional digital I/O.

Horner CPU300 – High-Performance Modular Machine Controller

The HE959CPU300 is Horner's higher-performance modular controller. It is designed as an all-in-one machine control platform in which logic control, I/O, HMI and networking can be handled within a single application. The CPU300 has no built-in process I/O; the required I/O is added using OCS-I/O modules.

A local 2.2-inch display provides controller information and configuration functions, while optional HMI Connect touchscreens can provide the operator interface. This architecture allows the CPU and field wiring to remain in the control panel while the HMI is positioned where it is most useful to the operator.

Expandable OCS-I/O for Local and Remote Control

Horner CPU controllers are designed to work with the Horner OCS-I/O Series. Modular I/O allows digital, analogue, temperature and high-speed functions to be selected according to the application rather than forcing the system into a fixed I/O configuration.

OCS-I/O can also be used as distributed remote I/O, allowing I/O to be located closer to sensors and actuators. In larger machines and process systems this can reduce point-to-point wiring, simplify panel design and make future expansion easier.

Industrial Communications

The CPU Series supports industrial communications for integration with drives, instrumentation, remote I/O, supervisory systems and other automation equipment. CPU200 and CPU250 models include Ethernet, serial and CAN connectivity as standard. Available protocols and licensed options depend on the controller model and application requirements.

Programming With Horner Cscape

Horner CPU controllers are programmed using Cscape, Horner's integrated automation software. Cscape provides a common environment for controller programming, I/O configuration, communications and system setup. On CPU300 applications, the same project can also incorporate HMI graphics, helping reduce the complexity of maintaining separate PLC and HMI programs.

Key Features of the Horner CPU Series

Modular industrial PLC architecture
CPU200 for applications requiring fully modular I/O
CPU250 with 34 built-in I/O points plus modular expansion
CPU300 high-performance controller with HMI Connect support
Expandable with Horner OCS-I/O modules
Local and distributed I/O options
Ethernet, serial and CAN communications on CPU200 and CPU250
USB-C programming on CPU200 and CPU250
Integrated programming and configuration using Horner Cscape
DIN-rail mounting for compact industrial control panels
Suitable for OEM machinery and industrial process automation

Typical Applications

Machine and OEM control systems
Pump and pumping station control
Water and wastewater systems
HVAC and building services
Conveyors and material handling
Packaging machinery
Food and beverage processing
Agricultural automation
Process monitoring and control
General factory automation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Horner CPU200 and CPU250?

The CPU200 has no built-in I/O and uses OCS-I/O modules for the required field inputs and outputs. The CPU250 includes 34 built-in I/O points and can also accept OCS-I/O expansion modules.

Can Horner CPU controllers use remote I/O?

Yes. Horner's OCS-I/O architecture supports both local expansion and distributed I/O, allowing I/O to be positioned closer to field equipment where appropriate.

Does the CPU300 require a separate HMI program?

The CPU300 is designed so that logic, networking and HMI graphics can be included in one Cscape application. Optional HMI Connect displays provide the physical operator interface.

Which Horner CPU is best for a machine with built-in I/O?

The CPU250 is the straightforward choice when built-in I/O is required, because it includes 34 I/O points while still allowing OCS-I/O expansion. For higher-performance applications requiring HMI Connect and advanced graphics, the CPU300 provides a more capable modular architecture.

Horner CPU Controllers in New Zealand

Horner CPU controllers provide a flexible alternative to conventional fixed-I/O PLC systems. By combining modular I/O, industrial communications and Cscape programming, the platform can be configured for both compact machines and larger distributed automation systems.

Advanced Motor Control Ltd supports Horner OCS automation products in New Zealand, including controller selection, OCS-I/O expansion, Cscape programming and application support. Contact us to discuss the most suitable CPU and I/O configuration for your application.