Fluctuating Voltage’s Impacts on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users have reported concerns regarding the performance of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit when subjected to fluctuating voltage levels. The primary symptoms include:

• Voltage Fluctuation: Users deploying the device in robotic applications with a 4S LiPo battery have observed significant voltage fluctuations in the range of 14-16.8V, primarily due to back EMF generated by motors connected in parallel to the same power supply.

• Performance Confusion: There is confusion regarding how these voltage fluctuations might affect the clock speed of the Jetson Orin Nano, as it is understood that clock speed is proportional to supplied voltage.

• Context of Issue: The problem arises during deployment in robotic systems where motors are active, leading to variable load conditions on the power supply.

• Frequency of Issue: This issue appears to be consistent among users operating under similar conditions, particularly in robotics applications.

• Impact on User Experience: The fluctuating voltage can potentially lead to performance instability or unexpected behavior in applications reliant on consistent processing power.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the observed issues with the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The design of the development kit may not be optimized for environments with significant voltage fluctuations, especially when paired with high-draw components like motors.

• Voltage Regulator Limitations: Although the dev kit includes voltage regulators, they may not handle extreme fluctuations effectively, leading to performance issues.

• Back EMF from Motors: The motors’ operation can introduce back EMF, which can cause voltage spikes or dips that affect the overall stability of the power supply.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect setup or configuration of the power supply system could exacerbate the issue.

• Environmental Factors: Operating conditions such as temperature and battery health can influence voltage stability.

• User Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently connect components in a way that leads to unstable power delivery.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue of fluctuating voltage supply affecting the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit, consider the following troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Diagnosing Voltage Stability:

   • Use a multimeter to monitor the voltage output from the battery while motors are operating. Record any significant fluctuations.
   • Check battery health and ensure it is capable of delivering stable output under load.

2. Isolating Power Supply Issues:

   • If possible, test with a dedicated power supply for the Jetson Orin Nano separate from motor power to see if performance stabilizes.
   • Consider using a larger capacitor across the power inputs to help smooth out transient voltage spikes caused by motor operation.

3. Configuring Voltage Regulators:

   • Review and adjust any settings related to voltage regulation on the dev kit if applicable.
   • Ensure that any firmware updates are applied that may improve power management features.

4. Implementing Best Practices:

   • Use appropriate filtering techniques (e.g., LC filters) between motors and sensitive electronics like the Jetson board.
   • Keep wiring short and use thicker gauge wire to minimize resistance and potential voltage drops.

5. Recommended Solutions:

   • Users have found success using dedicated power supplies for different components (i.e., separate supplies for motors and for the Jetson board) as a workaround.
   • Consider adding a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or a more robust battery management system designed for robotics applications.

6. Documentation and Updates:

   • Regularly check Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates on hardware compatibility and recommended configurations.
   • Look for driver updates or firmware upgrades that could enhance power handling capabilities.

7. Future Prevention:

   • Design systems with adequate power isolation between high-draw components and sensitive electronics.
   • Monitor system performance regularly to catch potential issues early before they affect functionality.

By following these steps, users can better manage fluctuating voltages and mitigate their impact on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit’s performance. Further investigation may be needed if issues persist despite these interventions.