USB Signal Configuration on Nvidia Jetson Orin NX Carrier Board

Issue Overview

The discussion revolves around the configuration of USB signals on the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX Carrier Board, specifically regarding the use of USB SuperSpeed (SS) signals for USB ports. Users, particularly a designer named Jeff, are questioning the wiring of USBSS1 signals to the USB-C port connected to USB0 (the 2.0 port) as indicated in the carrier board schematic. The main symptoms include confusion over which SS signals should be used for different USB ports, especially when designing a carrier board that requires USB 3.2 hubs on USB1 and USB2.

The issue arises during the design phase of a custom carrier board, where users need clarification on signal compatibility and configuration to ensure proper functionality. The relevant hardware specifications include the Jetson Orin NX Carrier Board and its associated USB ports. The problem appears to be consistent among users involved in similar designs, impacting their ability to effectively implement USB connectivity in their projects.

Possible Causes

• Signal Misconfiguration: Users may be unsure about which SS signals correspond to specific USB ports, leading to potential misconfigurations in their designs.

• Schematic Interpretation: Misunderstanding of the schematic diagram may cause confusion regarding the intended use of SS signals for different USB ports.

• Compatibility Issues: There may be concerns about whether using SS0 signals with USB1 and SS2 signals with USB2 will function correctly, especially when integrating with USB 3.2 hubs.

• Lack of Documentation: Insufficient or unclear documentation regarding signal assignments can lead to user errors in design.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Review Schematic Diagrams:

   • Verify the schematic on page 6 of the Carrier Board documentation to understand how signals are wired.
   • Ensure that the correct SS signals are being used as per the design requirements.

2. Signal Configuration Testing:

   • Test using SS0 signals with USB1 and SS2 signals with USB2 as suggested by forum replies.
   • Document any changes made during testing and observe if they resolve connectivity issues.

3. Consult Manufacturer Documentation:

   • Check Nvidia’s official documentation for the Jetson Orin NX Carrier Board for any guidance on signal configurations.
   • Look for application notes or design guides that clarify signal usage.

4. Community Feedback:

   • Engage with community forums or support channels to gather insights from other users who have successfully implemented similar configurations.
   • Consider reaching out to Nvidia support for further clarification on signal assignments.

5. Testing Different Configurations:

   • If issues persist, try different combinations of SS signals based on feedback from other users.
   • Isolate each port’s functionality by testing them independently with various devices to rule out hardware issues.

6. Firmware and Driver Updates:

   • Ensure that all relevant firmware and drivers are up-to-date as outdated software can sometimes lead to connectivity problems.
   • Check Nvidia’s website for any updates specific to the Jetson Orin NX platform.

7. Best Practices for Future Designs:

   • Maintain clear documentation of all design choices and configurations for future reference.
   • Regularly review updates from Nvidia regarding hardware changes or best practices in designing carrier boards.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed into how different combinations of SS signals affect performance in real-world applications.
   • Users should monitor community forums for ongoing discussions or updates related to this issue.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to USB signal configurations on the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX Carrier Board, ensuring successful implementation in their projects.