Jetson Orin Nano Power Stability Issues During Vehicle Operation

Issue Overview

Users of the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB and Orin NX16 on the official Nvidia Carrier Board have reported stability issues when powering the device from a vehicle’s 12V battery. The primary symptom is that the Jetson board becomes "frozen" and unresponsive when the vehicle’s engine is started, causing a temporary drop in battery voltage. Users must manually cut and reconnect power to reset the board, which disrupts their workflow and can lead to potential hardware damage. This problem occurs specifically during vehicle operation, particularly when starting the engine, which induces voltage fluctuations. The issue has been noted to happen consistently, impacting user experience significantly, as it requires intervention to restore functionality.

Possible Causes

• Voltage Regulation Sensitivity: Jetson boards are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations. A drop in voltage can cause them to become unresponsive due to insufficient power supply during critical operations.
• Power Supply Configuration: Directly connecting to a vehicle’s power system without adequate regulation can expose the board to dangerous voltage spikes or drops, especially from inductive loads like starter motors.
• Lack of Brownout Detection: The absence of a built-in brownout detector means that the system does not automatically reset during voltage drops, leading to a frozen state.
• Environmental Factors: Operating within an enclosure may exacerbate heat buildup or restrict airflow, further complicating power stability issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Power Supply Stability:

   • Use a multimeter to monitor voltage levels at the input of the Jetson board while starting the vehicle. Ensure that voltage levels remain within acceptable limits (typically above 10V for stable operation).

2. Implement Voltage Regulation:

   • Install a buck/boost regulator before the power barrel V_IN to maintain stable voltage levels despite fluctuations from the vehicle’s battery.
   • Recommended model: Traco Power DC/DC Converter (e.g., TEL 15-1212N) which can handle input voltages between 9V and 18V.

3. Add Brownout Protection:

   • Consider integrating a brownout detection circuit that can automatically reset the Jetson board upon detecting voltage drops.

4. Test with Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If possible, test the Jetson Orin Nano with a different power source (e.g., a lab power supply) to isolate whether the issue is related to vehicle power or inherent board sensitivity.

5. Monitor Temperature:

   • Ensure that the enclosure allows for adequate ventilation and does not contribute to overheating during operation, which could lead to system instability.

6. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Avoid direct connections to automotive power systems without proper regulation.
   • Regularly check connections and ensure that all components are rated for automotive use.
   • Consider using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) designed for automotive applications if frequent voltage drops are expected.

7. Documentation and Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s documentation on recommended power supplies for Jetson devices.
   • Stay updated on firmware and software updates that may improve power management features.

By following these steps, users should be able to mitigate issues related to power stability when using their Jetson Orin Nano in automotive environments.