Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board Power Failure After Force Recovery Attempt

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a critical failure of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board after improperly supplying 12V to the Force Recovery (FC REC) pin. The symptoms include:

• No Power Indication: The green LED does not light up when attempting to power on the board using the barrel jack.
• Potential Damage: Users suspect that components may have been damaged due to incorrect voltage application, possibly resulting in a blown fuse or other internal failures.

This issue typically arises during setup or recovery attempts, particularly when users are unfamiliar with the correct procedures for utilizing the force recovery feature. The problem appears to be consistent, as multiple users report similar experiences after applying incorrect voltage.

The impact on user experience is significant, as the board becomes inoperable, hindering development and experimentation. Users also express concerns about the integrity of their SD cards, although anecdotal evidence suggests that they may remain unaffected.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Damage: Supplying excessive voltage (12V) to the FC REC pin can lead to immediate damage to sensitive components on the board.

• Blown Fuse: The board may have an internal fuse designed to protect against over-voltage situations, which could be blown in this scenario.

• User Misconfiguration: Lack of clarity in instructions or understanding of the recovery process can lead to improper handling and connection mistakes.

• Environmental Factors: If the board was subjected to extreme temperatures or inadequate power supply conditions prior to this incident, it could exacerbate hardware vulnerabilities.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Initial Diagnosis:

   • Check for any visible signs of damage on the board (burn marks, melted components).
   • Attempt to power on the board using different power sources (e.g., USB power supply).

2. Gather System Information:

   • If possible, connect the board to a computer via USB and check for any recognition by the system.
   • Use a multimeter to measure voltage at various points on the board to identify potential short circuits.

3. Isolate the Issue:

   • Remove all peripherals and try powering on with just the essential connections.
   • Test with a different power adapter that matches the recommended specifications for the Jetson Orin Nano.

4. Potential Fixes:

   • If hardware damage is suspected, consider contacting Nvidia support for an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) process as suggested by community members.
   • For those comfortable with hardware repairs, inspect and replace any blown fuses or damaged components if identified.

5. SD Card Integrity Check:

   • To ensure data safety, remove the SD card and test it in another device.
   • Use a card reader to verify if data can be accessed without issues.

6. Documentation and Updates:

   • Review Nvidia’s official documentation regarding power specifications and recovery procedures.
   • Ensure that all firmware and drivers are up-to-date before attempting further troubleshooting.

7. Preventive Best Practices:

   • Always double-check voltage specifications before connecting power pins.
   • Utilize proper documentation and community resources when unsure about procedures.
   • Consider using protective measures like fuses or voltage regulators in future setups.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed into specific component failures resulting from over-voltage incidents.
   • Community feedback on successful repair methods could provide additional insights into salvaging damaged boards.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to power failures on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards after incorrect recovery attempts.