Orin Nano Customer Board Power Design Issues

Issue Overview

The discussion revolves around power design discrepancies for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. Users are experiencing confusion regarding the voltage requirements for the VDD_IN and VDD_CVM pins. Specifically, the schematic indicates a voltage of 20V / 5A for VDD_CVM, while the datasheet specifies VDD_IN as 5V. This inconsistency raises questions about which design to follow during board development.

Symptoms reported include:

• Damage to the Orin Nano module due to incorrect power supply (e.g., powering with 12V instead of 5V).
• Queries about fixing damaged modules and obtaining circuit diagrams for repair.

The issue occurs primarily during the design phase of custom carrier boards and is compounded by unclear documentation on voltage requirements. The frequency of this issue appears to be significant among users designing custom boards, impacting their ability to safely power their devices.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities: Using incorrect voltage levels can lead to hardware damage, as seen when users apply 12V instead of the required 5V.
2. Documentation Conflicts: Discrepancies between the schematic and datasheet can confuse developers, leading to incorrect designs.
3. Configuration Errors: Misunderstanding the role of pin 217 in determining voltage support can lead to improper setups.
4. User Errors: Incorrectly applying voltages or failing to follow design specifications may result in hardware failures.
5. Environmental Factors: External factors such as power supply stability can affect module performance and longevity.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Voltage Requirements:

   • Confirm that VDD_IN is set to 5V when pin 217 is grounded.
   • Ensure that if pin 217 is floating (pulled high), the design supports a full voltage range.

2. Inspect Power Supply:

   • Use a multimeter to check that the power supply outputs the correct voltage before connecting it to the board.

3. Check Module Configuration:

   • Review the configuration of pin 217 on your carrier board to ensure it aligns with your intended design.

4. Repairing Damaged Modules:

   • If damage occurs due to incorrect voltage application, consider contacting NVIDIA for an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) as repairs may not be feasible without proper schematics.

5. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for clarification on power specifications and recommended practices for designing custom boards.

6. Best Practices for Future Designs:

   • Always double-check voltage levels against both the schematic and datasheet before powering up.
   • Consider using protective components such as fuses or voltage regulators in your designs to prevent damage from incorrect power supply connections.

7. Community Support:

   • Engage with forums or user groups focused on NVIDIA Jetson products for shared experiences and solutions from other developers facing similar issues.

8. Testing with Different Configurations:

   • If issues persist, test with different power supplies or configurations to isolate potential problems.

9. Documentation Links:

   • For further information on setup and troubleshooting, refer to NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide and Getting Started Guide.

10. Unresolved Issues:

    • Users have noted a lack of public module schematics which could aid in diagnosing hardware issues more effectively.
    • Further investigation may be needed into long-term reliability and performance under varying environmental conditions.

By following these steps, users can better navigate the complexities associated with designing custom boards for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano and mitigate potential risks associated with power supply misconfigurations.