Compatibility of Jetson Orin Nano with Jetson Nano interface board

Issue Overview

Users who have previously developed custom interface boards for the Jetson Nano are inquiring about the compatibility of these boards with the newer Jetson Orin Nano. The main concern is whether the Jetson Orin Nano can directly replace the Jetson Nano on existing custom interface boards without modifications. This question arises from the desire to upgrade to the more powerful Orin Nano while potentially reusing existing hardware designs.

Possible Causes

1. Pin compatibility differences: The Jetson Orin Nano may have a different pin layout or electrical specifications compared to the Jetson Nano.

2. Form factor variations: The physical dimensions and mounting points of the Orin Nano might differ from the Nano, affecting its fit on existing boards.

3. Power requirements: The Orin Nano may have different power consumption or voltage requirements that the existing board may not support.

4. Interface changes: There could be changes in the supported interfaces or protocols between the two models.

5. Thermal considerations: The Orin Nano might have different cooling needs that the existing board may not accommodate.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Consult official documentation:

   • Download and carefully review the "Jetson Orin Nano Series, Jetson Nano, & Jetson TX2 NX Interface Comparison & Migration Application Note" from the Jetson Download Center.
   • This document will provide detailed information on the compatibility and differences between the models.

2. Analyze pin compatibility:

   • Compare the pinout diagrams of both the Jetson Nano and Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Identify any differences in pin assignments, voltage levels, or signal types.

3. Check form factor compatibility:

   • Measure the physical dimensions of your custom interface board.
   • Compare these measurements with the specifications of the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Verify if mounting holes and connectors align properly.

4. Evaluate power requirements:

   • Review the power specifications of the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Ensure your custom board can provide adequate power and appropriate voltage levels.
   • Consider upgrading power delivery components if necessary.

5. Assess interface compatibility:

   • List all the interfaces used in your current design (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO).
   • Verify if these interfaces are available and function similarly on the Orin Nano.
   • Note any changes in interface capabilities or limitations.

6. Thermal management review:

   • Compare the thermal characteristics of the Jetson Nano and Orin Nano.
   • Evaluate if your current cooling solution is sufficient for the Orin Nano.
   • Plan for additional cooling measures if required.

7. Prototype and test:

   • If possible, obtain a Jetson Orin Nano developer kit for testing.
   • Create a prototype adapter board if necessary to bridge any incompatibilities.
   • Thoroughly test all functionalities to ensure proper operation.

8. Consider redesign options:

   • If direct compatibility is not possible, evaluate the effort required to redesign your interface board.
   • Weigh the benefits of upgrading against the cost and time of redesigning.

9. Seek community support:

   • Engage with the NVIDIA Developer Forums for specific questions not covered in the documentation.
   • Share your findings and solutions to help other developers facing similar challenges.

10. Stay updated:

    • Regularly check the NVIDIA Jetson website and forums for any new compatibility information or solutions.
    • Look for third-party adapters or solutions that might emerge to address compatibility issues.

By following these steps and thoroughly analyzing the compatibility aspects, you can determine whether your Jetson Nano interface board can accommodate the Jetson Orin Nano or if modifications are necessary. Always prioritize safety and proper electrical design when attempting to use new hardware with existing custom boards.