Jetson Nano and Orin SOM Compatibility for Custom Carrier Boards

Issue Overview

Users are seeking clarification on the compatibility between Jetson Nano and Jetson Orin System-on-Modules (SOMs) when designing custom carrier boards. The main concern is whether a single carrier board design can accommodate both modules, considering their form factors and pin configurations. While it appears that an Orin-compatible carrier board might accept a Nano module, the reverse scenario is not guaranteed. This compatibility question is crucial for developers and manufacturers looking to create versatile carrier boards that can support multiple Jetson SOM variants.

Possible Causes

1. Form Factor Differences: Although similar, the Jetson Nano and Orin SOMs may have slight variations in their physical dimensions or mounting requirements.

2. Pin Configuration Variances: The pin layouts of the Nano and Orin modules are not identical, which could lead to incompatibility issues when designing a universal carrier board.

3. I/O Differences: The Jetson Nano and Orin may support different sets of I/O interfaces, potentially causing functionality gaps when using a single carrier board design.

4. Power Requirements: The Orin, being a more powerful module, may have different power delivery needs compared to the Nano, affecting carrier board design.

5. Thermal Considerations: Different cooling requirements between the Nano and Orin could impact the carrier board’s thermal management design.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Confirm Form Factor Compatibility:

   • The Jetson Orin Nano and the original Jetson Nano are confirmed to be form factor compatible.
   • This means that physically, the modules should fit into the same socket on a carrier board.

2. Analyze Pin Compatibility:

   • While form factor compatible, the Orin Nano and Nano are not 100% pin compatible.
   • Carefully review the pinout documentation for both modules to identify differences.
   • Focus on the I/O interfaces you plan to use in your design.

3. Consult Migration Application Note:

   • NVIDIA provides a Migration Application Note comparing the Orin Nano and Nano.
   • Access this document from the Jetson Download Center on the NVIDIA Developer website.
   • Use this resource to understand the specific differences between the two modules.

4. Design for Orin Compatibility First:

   • When designing a custom carrier board, prioritize compatibility with the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • This approach is more likely to allow the Jetson Nano to be used as well, albeit with potential limitations.

5. Identify Common I/O Interfaces:

   • Determine which I/O interfaces are shared between the Orin Nano and Nano.
   • Design your carrier board to utilize these common interfaces for maximum compatibility.

6. Implement Fallback Mechanisms:

   • For I/O interfaces not available on both modules, consider implementing fallback or alternative connection options.
   • This may involve using multiplexers or configurable routing on the carrier board.

7. Power Management Considerations:

   • Design the power delivery system on your carrier board to accommodate the requirements of both modules.
   • Implement voltage regulators that can adjust to the needs of either the Orin Nano or Nano.

8. Thermal Design:

   • Create a thermal management solution that can handle the heat dissipation needs of both modules.
   • Consider using a modular or adjustable cooling system to accommodate different thermal profiles.

9. Software Compatibility:

   • Ensure that your software stack can detect and adapt to the specific module in use.
   • Implement runtime checks to determine the module type and adjust functionality accordingly.

10. Testing and Validation:

    • Thoroughly test your carrier board design with both the Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson Nano.
    • Verify all intended functionalities work correctly with each module.
    • Document any limitations or differences in functionality when using one module versus the other.

11. Consult NVIDIA Support:

    • If you encounter specific compatibility issues not addressed in the documentation, reach out to NVIDIA’s developer support for guidance.
    • Participate in NVIDIA developer forums to discuss your design challenges with the community.

By following these steps and considerations, you can maximize the chances of creating a custom carrier board that supports both the Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson Nano SOMs. However, be prepared for some compromises or limitations due to the inherent differences between the two modules.