Horner Prime Series: All-in-One PLC & HMI Controllers for Modern Industrial Automation

Horner Automation-XL Prime Series

Horner Automation is no longer a best-kept secret. Known for powerful, efficient All-in-One Controllers, Horner PLCs are now trusted across a wide range of industries and high-profile applications. From major stadiums and ballparks to complex attraction systems, Horner technology controls everything from retractable fields and movable windows to train-based attractions.

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial control device that uses computer-based programming to monitor and control machinery and processes in industries.

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a device used to monitor, visualize, and display machine or process data in a human-readable format.

XL4 Prime All-in-One PLC Controller for Industrial Automation

The XL4 Prime PLC sets a new standard for functionality and performance in industrial automation controllers. Designed as a powerful all-in-one PLC with HMI, the XL4 Prime integrates a logic engine, operator interface, networking, and I/O into a single compact unit—making it ideal for machine automation, OEM applications, and smart manufacturing systems.

High-Performance PLC Logic Engine

At the heart of the XL4 Prime is a high-speed programmable logic controller (PLC) featuring 1 MB application memory and an ultra-fast 0.02 ms/K logic scan time. This ensures precise real-time control in demanding industrial control systems. The controller also supports online programming, allowing logic changes without stopping the machine—reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

Integrated HMI Operator Interface

The XL4 Prime features a built-in HMI touchscreen display with a 320 × 240 TFT LCD color screen and a high-resolution resistive touchscreen. This integrated PLC and HMI solution enables operators to easily monitor processes, visualize machine data, and interact with control systems in factory automation environments.

Industrial Communication & Connectivity

Designed for flexible system integration, the XL4 Prime includes USB 2.0 programming ports, RS-232 and RS-485 communication, and support for Modbus RTU Master/Slave, ASCII I/O, and PLC-to-drive communication protocols. These features make it a reliable choice for industrial networking and automation communication.

Ethernet Networking & CAN Communication

The controller is equipped with a built-in 10/100 Ethernet port for industrial Ethernet communication and an integrated CsCAN port for controller-to-controller data exchange. This allows seamless connectivity in distributed control systems and networked PLC applications.

Data Logging & Expandable Storage

With a microSD card slot supporting up to 32 GB, the XL4 Prime supports data logging, recipe management, alarm history, and program backup essential for modern industrial monitoring and control applications.

Ideal All-in-One PLC for Modern Automation

Combining performance, reliability, and ease of use, the XL4 Prime All-in-One PLC Controller is a smart choice for industrial automation systems, OEM machinery, packaging machines, water and wastewater control, and manufacturing automation solutions.

X5 Prime: Compact Design with Big Performance

Wide Aspect Color Touchscreen

The X5 Prime delivers a big visual experience in a compact footprint. With a panel cutout of just 4.6” × 3.5”, the 4.3” wide-aspect color touchscreen provides a clear, intuitive, and operator-friendly interface. Horner’s hidden soft-key technology allows the entire screen to be used for application graphics, ensuring maximum visibility and flexibility for custom machine interfaces.

Streamlined On-Board I/O

Designed for simplicity and ease of integration, the X5 Prime features a carefully selected set of built-in I/O. With 4 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs, and 4 analog inputs, the controller supports a wide range of automation tasks while keeping wiring and setup straightforward. This streamlined I/O design makes implementing Horner OCS controllers faster and more user-friendly.

High-Performance Control

When it comes to speed, resolution, and technical capability, the X5 Prime leads its class. Built using advanced design techniques and offering a feature set comparable to Horner’s established XL series, the X5 Prime delivers reliable, high-performance control. In the category of fixed I/O, web-compatible controllers, the X5 Prime stands out as an unmatched solution for both commercial and industrial automation applications.

Built for Modern Automation

Compact, powerful, and easy to use, the X5 Prime All-in-One Controller is ideal for OEM machines, factory automation, and applications where space, performance, and usability matter most.

XL6 Prime: Advanced Control with Enhanced Visualization

The XL6 Prime is a powerful All-in-One PLC and HMI controller designed for high-performance industrial automation. Combining a fast logic engine, a large high-resolution touchscreen, and extensive communication options, the XL6 Prime delivers reliability, flexibility, and ease of use for demanding applications.

High-Speed Logic Engine

The XL6 Prime features a robust logic engine with 1 MB of application memory and an ultra-fast 0.02 ms/K logic scan time, ensuring precise and responsive control. With Online Programming Mode, engineers can make logic changes on the fly without stopping the controller, reducing downtime and improving productivity.

Large Color Touchscreen Operator Interface

Equipped with a 640 × 480 TFT LCD color display, the XL6 Prime provides excellent clarity and detailed graphics. The high-resolution resistive touchscreen, along with four function keys and a dedicated system key, allows operators to easily monitor and control processes in real time.

Flexible Programming & Data Transfer

For convenient programming and file management, the XL6 Prime includes a USB 2.0 On-The-Go (Mini-B, 5-pin) port for programming and a USB 2.0 Host (Type-A) port for exchanging files using USB flash drives.

Extensive Communication & Networking

The controller offers two RS-232 ports and one RS-485 port, supporting RTU/Modbus Master and Slave, ASCII I/O, and PLC-to-drive downloadable protocols. Built-in 10/100 Ethernet and an integrated CsCAN port provide seamless networking for distributed and connected automation systems.

Expandable Data Storage

All XL6 Prime units feature a microSD card slot supporting at least 32 GB, enabling data logging, recipe storage, alarm history, and easy program backup.

Ideal for Industrial Automation

With its powerful processing, large display, and comprehensive connectivity, the XL6 Prime All-in-One Controller is well suited for OEM machinery, factory automation, water and wastewater systems, packaging lines, and process control applications.

XL7 Prime All-in-One PLC and HMI Controller for Advanced Industrial Automation

The XL7 Prime PLC is a high-performance All-in-One PLC and HMI controller designed for complex and network-intensive industrial automation applications. Powered by Horner’s HE-Logic engine, the XL7 Prime combines fast processing, a large widescreen touchscreen, and advanced communication capabilities—making it ideal for modern factory automation, OEM machinery, and industrial control systems.

High-Speed HE-Logic PLC Engine

At its core, the XL7 Prime features the HE-Logic programmable logic controller, offering 1 MB of application memory and an ultra-fast 0.02 ms/K logic scan time. This high-speed PLC performance ensures accurate real-time control in demanding environments. With Online Programming Mode, engineers can modify PLC logic while the system is running, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Large Widescreen HMI Touchscreen Interface

The integrated HMI touchscreen includes an 800 × 480 TFT LCD color display with a high-resolution resistive touchscreen, providing excellent visibility and intuitive operator interaction. The interface is further enhanced with five function keys and a dedicated system key, allowing quick access to critical machine operations.

USB Programming and File Management

The XL7 Prime PLC with HMI includes a USB 2.0 On-The-Go (Mini-B, 5-pin) port for programming and a USB 2.0 Host (Type-A) port for file transfer using USB flash drives. These features simplify PLC programming, application updates, and data handling in industrial environments.

Advanced Industrial Communication & Networking

Designed for connected automation systems, the XL7 Prime supports two RS-232/485 ports compatible with Modbus RTU Master and Slave, ASCII I/O, and PLC-to-drive downloadable protocols. It also features two integrated CAN ports, supporting CsCAN and either CAN open, J1939, or DeviceNet Scanner simultaneously. Dual 10/100 Ethernet ports provide reliable industrial Ethernet connectivity for networked PLC applications.

Expandable Storage for Data Logging

All XL7 Prime controllers include a microSD card slot supporting at least 32 GB, enabling data logging, recipe storage, alarm history, and secure PLC program backup essential features for modern industrial monitoring and control systems.

Ideal PLC and HMI Solution for Complex Applications

With its powerful processing, advanced networking, and large touchscreen display, the XL7 Prime All-in-One PLC Controller is ideal for OEM automation, factory automation, mobile equipment, energy systems, and distributed control applications that require speed, flexibility, and scalability.

Conclusion

The Horner Prime Series controllers including the XL4 Prime, XL6 Prime, and XL7 Prime offer a complete range of All-in-One PLC and HMI solutions designed to meet diverse industrial automation needs. From compact control applications to complex, network-intensive systems, the Prime Series delivers high-speed logic processing, intuitive touchscreen interfaces, and robust communication options.

With features such as online programming, integrated Ethernet and CAN networking, flexible serial communications, and expandable microSD storage, the Prime Series simplifies system design while enhancing performance and reliability. Whether for OEM machinery, factory automation, energy systems, or process control, Horner Prime controllers provide a scalable, future-ready automation platform without sacrificing ease of use.

In short, the Prime Series combines power, flexibility, and simplicity making it a smart choice for modern industrial automation.