Nothing close enough? Start from a blank ladder logic → Describe it in one paragraph.
How to use a ladder logic template.
- 01Specify your conveyor layout
Describe the number of belts, motor type (DOL, star-delta, VFD), and key sensors — proximity, photo-eye, encoder, or weight cell.
- 02Define safety conditions
List E-stop locations, guard interlocks, and jam-detection inputs. ChatDiagram places these as normally-closed contacts in series on the motor output rung.
- 03Add sequencing logic
For multi-zone conveyors, specify start delays (e.g. downstream belt starts first) and the handoff sensor that triggers each upstream belt.
- 04Review and export
Verify motor coil addresses match your panel schedule, then export as PNG or SVG for your O&M manual.
Questions about ladder logic templates
How is an E-stop wired in ladder logic for a conveyor?
The E-stop input is typically a normally-closed (NC) contact in series with the motor output coil rung. When the E-stop is pressed, the NC contact opens, de-energising the coil and dropping the motor contactor. A reset push-button (momentary NO) in series with a latching contact restores the run state after fault clearance.
What is a conveyor interlock sequence and why does order matter?
In a multi-zone conveyor, downstream belts must start before upstream belts to prevent product pile-ups. The interlock sequence uses the downstream belt's RUN status bit as a permissive (series NO contact) on the upstream belt's START rung. Stopping reverses the order — upstream stops first.
How do I detect a belt jam in ladder logic?
A common approach uses a motion detector (proximity sensor on a tail pulley or encoder) whose pulse is expected within a set time after the motor starts. A TON timer monitors the interval; if no pulse arrives before the preset, the DN bit triggers a fault coil and stops the motor.
Can ChatDiagram generate ladder logic for VFD-controlled conveyors?
Yes — describe your VFD control method (digital run/direction bits, or analog speed reference) and ChatDiagram generates the appropriate output coil addresses and any enable/disable handshaking rungs required by the drive.