Custom Carrier Board Compatibility for Jetson Orin Nano/NX

Issue Overview

Users are seeking clarification on the compatibility and flashing process for custom carrier boards designed for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano and NX modules. The main concerns revolve around:

• Using third-party or custom-designed carrier boards with Jetson Orin Nano/NX modules
• The correct selection process in NVIDIA SDK Manager for flashing custom setups
• The necessity of EEPROM and firmware considerations for custom carrier boards
• The role of BSP (Board Support Package) in the context of custom designs

This issue highlights the complexities involved when moving beyond the standard developer kit configurations, particularly for users less familiar with hardware design and PCB intricacies.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware incompatibility: Custom carrier boards may not fully adhere to NVIDIA’s reference design specifications, leading to potential issues with flashing or functionality.

2. Incorrect SDK Manager selection: Choosing the wrong option in SDK Manager (e.g., selecting the dev kit option instead of the module-only option) could result in flashing problems or improper configuration.

3. Missing EEPROM: Some custom designs might omit the EEPROM, which could affect the module’s ability to recognize and properly configure itself with the carrier board.

4. Inadequate BSP implementation: A lack of understanding or improper implementation of the Board Support Package could lead to compatibility issues or limited functionality.

5. Deviation from reference design: Significant departures from NVIDIA’s official carrier board reference design may introduce unforeseen complications in terms of power delivery, signal integrity, or thermal management.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify carrier board design compatibility:

   • Carefully review the official Jetson Orin Nano Carrier Board reference design.
   • Ensure your custom design closely follows the reference specifications, especially for critical components and interfaces.

2. Correct SDK Manager usage:

   • When using a custom carrier board, select the Jetson Orin Nano/NX module option in SDK Manager, not the dev kit option.
   • This ensures that the flashing process is appropriate for your custom setup.

3. EEPROM considerations:

   • While EEPROM is not strictly necessary for all custom designs, it’s recommended for optimal compatibility and functionality.
   • If your design lacks EEPROM, refer to NVIDIA’s documentation on EEPROM modifications for Jetson Orin Nx/Nano series.
   • Consider implementing EEPROM in your design to ensure smoother integration with NVIDIA’s software stack.

4. Understanding BSP (Board Support Package):

   • BSP is crucial for hardware-software integration. It typically includes bootloader, kernel, drivers, and other low-level software components.
   • For custom designs, you may need to modify the BSP to support any unique hardware features or configurations.
   • Consult NVIDIA’s developer documentation for guidance on BSP customization for Jetson platforms.

5. Flashing process for custom boards:

   • Use the command-line flashing tools provided by NVIDIA instead of SDK Manager if you encounter issues.
   • The basic flashing command structure is:

     sudo ./flash.sh <board> <rootdev>
     

   • Replace <board> with the appropriate board configuration (e.g., "jetson-orin-nano-devkit") and <rootdev> with the target storage device.

6. Hardware validation:

   • Before attempting to flash, verify that all critical connections (power, UART, USB, etc.) are correctly implemented on your custom carrier board.
   • Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage levels and continuity where appropriate.

7. Consult community resources:

   • For open-source designs like the Antmicro baseboard mentioned, reach out to the project maintainers or community for specific guidance.
   • NVIDIA Developer Forums can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting custom implementations.

8. Documentation and testing:

   • Maintain detailed documentation of your custom design, including any deviations from the reference design.
   • Implement a thorough testing plan to validate each component and interface of your custom carrier board.

By following these steps and considerations, users can increase the likelihood of successfully implementing and flashing custom carrier boards for Jetson Orin Nano/NX modules. Remember that custom designs may require more in-depth knowledge and troubleshooting compared to using standard developer kits.