Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Power Supply Specifications

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit have expressed uncertainty regarding the power supply specifications, particularly concerning the acceptable current input. The datasheet for the kit specifies a voltage range of 7-20V, but does not clearly state the maximum current that can be safely supplied to the device. This lack of information has led to concerns about potentially damaging the kit when connecting it to power supplies with higher current capabilities, such as 6A.

Possible Causes

1. Incomplete documentation: The official datasheet may not provide comprehensive information about power supply requirements, leading to user confusion.

2. Misunderstanding of power consumption: Users may be conflating the maximum current capability of a power supply with the actual current draw of the device, which are two distinct concepts.

3. Varied power requirements: The Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit’s power needs may vary depending on the specific use case and connected peripherals, making it difficult to specify a single current rating.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Understanding power supply specifications:

   • The Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit accepts a wide input voltage range of 7-20V.
   • The current draw of the device is determined by its power consumption, not by the maximum current capability of the power supply.
   • A power supply with a higher current rating (e.g., 6A) will not damage the device, as the kit will only draw the current it needs.

2. Calculating power requirements:

   • Determine the maximum power consumption of your specific Orin Nano model (e.g., 4GB version).
   • Add the power requirements of any additional electronics connected to the board.
   • Choose a power supply that can provide slightly more than the calculated total power.

3. Selecting an appropriate power supply:

   • Choose a power supply with a voltage output within the 7-20V range.
   • Ensure the power supply can provide more current than the maximum expected draw of your setup.
   • For example, if your calculations show a maximum draw of 4A, a 6A power supply would be suitable.

4. Connecting the power supply:

   • Use the DC jack on the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit for power input.
   • Ensure the polarity of the DC jack connector matches the kit’s requirements.
   • Double-check all connections before powering on the device.

5. Monitoring power consumption:

   • Use the following command to monitor the current power consumption of the Jetson Orin Nano:

     sudo jetson_clocks --show
     

   • This will help you understand the actual power draw during different operations.

6. Optimizing power usage:

   • If power consumption is a concern, consider using Jetson’s power modes to balance performance and energy efficiency.
   • Use the following command to view available power modes:

     sudo nvpmodel -q --verbose
     

   • To set a specific power mode, use:

     sudo nvpmodel -m <mode_number>
     

7. Thermal management:

   • Ensure proper cooling for the Jetson Orin Nano, especially when using high-performance modes or connecting multiple peripherals.
   • Monitor temperatures using the following command:

     tegrastats
     

8. Seeking official support:

   • If you’re still unsure about power requirements for your specific use case, contact NVIDIA support or consult the official Jetson forums for expert advice.

By following these guidelines, users can safely power their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit without risking damage due to power supply current capabilities. Remember that the device will only draw the current it needs, regardless of the power supply’s maximum output.