Damaged Carrier Board/Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, particularly when connecting multiple servo drivers in a daisy chain configuration. The main symptoms include:

• Signal Issues: The SDA pin shows a voltage of nearly 3V, while the SCL pin only registers about 1.8V, indicating a failure in I2C communication.
• Detection Failure: Neither of the I2C buses are detected when using I2C detection tools, despite the operating system functioning properly.
• Power Functionality: Power and ground pins continue to operate correctly, leading to confusion regarding the extent of damage to the board.

This problem occurs after an incorrect connection of VCC to the SDA pin during setup. Users are uncertain about the potential damage to the Orin Nano and/or the carrier board and seek methods to diagnose the issue.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Damage: Incorrect connections may have damaged the I2C pins while leaving power pins functional.
• Configuration Errors: Misconfiguration during setup could lead to improper signal routing.
• Driver Issues: If the drivers for I2C communication are not correctly installed or configured, it may result in detection failures.
• Environmental Factors: External factors such as power supply instability could affect performance.
• User Errors: Incorrect wiring or connections during setup can lead to significant issues.

Each of these causes could contribute to the observed symptoms, particularly focusing on hardware damage due to incorrect connections.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue effectively, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Visual Inspection:

   • Check for any visible damage on the Orin Nano and carrier board, especially around the SDA and SCL pins.

2. Review Schematic:

   • Refer to the P3768_A04 schematic for detailed pin configurations and ensure that all connections adhere to specifications.

3. Testing I2C Pins:

   • Use a multimeter or oscilloscope to measure voltages on SDA and SCL pins while attempting I2C communication.
   • Verify if any shorts exist between pins.

4. Reconfigure Connections:

   • Disconnect all servo drivers and attempt to communicate with a single driver connected correctly.
   • Ensure that VCC is connected only to power pins and not data pins.

5. Driver Installation:

   • Reinstall or update any necessary drivers related to I2C communication on your system.
   • Use terminal commands like:

     sudo apt-get update
     sudo apt-get install i2c-tools
     

6. Isolation Testing:

   • Test with different hardware configurations (e.g., different servo drivers or a different carrier board) to isolate whether the issue is with the Orin Nano or external components.

7. Firmware Updates:

   • Check for firmware updates that may resolve known issues with I2C functionality.
   • Follow Nvidia’s documentation on updating firmware.

8. Best Practices for Future Setup:

   • Always double-check wiring against schematic diagrams before powering on devices.
   • Use protective components like resistors or fuses when working with multiple devices in a daisy chain configuration.

9. Further Investigation:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider reaching out to Nvidia support or community forums for additional assistance.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.