Multiple Modules of the Same Type¶
You can use multiple modules of the same type within a single protocol. The exception is the Thermocycler Module, which has only one supported deck location because of its size. Running protocols with multiple modules of the same type requires version 4.3 or newer of the Opentrons App and robot server.
When working with multiple modules of the same type, load them in your protocol according to their USB port number. Deck coordinates are required by the load_labware() method, but location does not determine which module loads first. Your robot will use the module with the lowest USB port number before using a module of the same type that’s connected to higher numbered USB port. The USB port number (not deck location) determines module load sequence, starting with the lowest port number first.
In this example, temperature_module_1 loads first because it’s connected to USB port 2. temperature_module_2 loads next because it’s connected to USB port 6.
from opentrons import protocol_api
requirements = {"robotType": "Flex", "apiLevel": "2.17"}
def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
# Load Temperature Module 1 in deck slot D1 on USB port 2
temperature_module_1 = protocol.load_module(
module_name="temperature module gen2",
location="D1")
# Load Temperature Module 2 in deck slot C1 on USB port 6
temperature_module_2 = protocol.load_module(
module_name="temperature module gen2",
location="C1")
The Temperature Modules are connected as shown here:
In this example, temperature_module_1 loads first because it’s connected to USB port 1. temperature_module_2 loads next because it’s connected to USB port 3.
from opentrons import protocol_api
metadata = {"apiLevel": "2.17"}
def run(protocol: protocol_api.ProtocolContext):
# Load Temperature Module 1 in deck slot C1 on USB port 1
temperature_module_1 = protocol.load_module(
load_name="temperature module gen2", location="1"
)
# Load Temperature Module 2 in deck slot D3 on USB port 2
temperature_module_2 = protocol.load_module(
load_name="temperature module gen2", location="3"
)
The Temperature Modules are connected as shown here:
Before running your protocol, it’s a good idea to use the module controls in the Opentrons App to check that commands are being sent where you expect.
See the support article Using Modules of the Same Type for more information.