Jetson Orin Nano Module Warranty for Custom Carrier Boards

Issue Overview

Mechatronic engineers are designing a product for a customer that includes the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano module for AI vision applications. The customer’s software has been successfully tested on the Jetson Orin Nano DevKit, and they now wish to mass-produce the system. The engineers are considering three options for production: using the DevKit (voiding the warranty), using a carrier board from a trusted Nvidia partner, or developing a custom carrier board according to Nvidia’s design guidelines. The main concern is regarding the warranty applicability when using a custom carrier board and the process for ensuring compatibility.

Possible Causes

When using a custom carrier board with the Jetson Orin Nano module, several factors could potentially lead to issues:

1. Design incompatibilities: If the custom carrier board does not adhere to Nvidia’s design guidelines, it may cause compatibility issues or even damage the Jetson module.

2. Manufacturing defects: Faults in the manufacturing process of the custom carrier board, such as improper soldering or component defects, could lead to malfunctions or damage to the Jetson module.

3. Inadequate power supply: If the custom carrier board does not provide the required power specifications for the Jetson Orin Nano module, it may result in unstable operation or hardware failure.

4. Environmental factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, or other environmental stresses beyond the recommended operating conditions could cause issues with the Jetson module when used with a custom carrier board.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To ensure the Jetson Orin Nano module’s compatibility and warranty coverage when using a custom carrier board, follow these steps:

1. Review Nvidia’s design guidelines: Carefully study and adhere to Nvidia’s design guidelines for creating a custom carrier board. Ensure that all requirements, such as power specifications, signal integrity, and form factor, are met.

2. Prototype and test extensively: Develop a prototype of the custom carrier board and perform rigorous testing to verify its compatibility with the Jetson Orin Nano module. Test various scenarios, including edge cases and stress tests, to identify any potential issues.

3. Engage with Nvidia’s support team: Reach out to Nvidia’s technical support team for guidance and assistance throughout the development process. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure compliance with their guidelines.

4. Implement a comprehensive quality control process: Establish strict quality control measures during the manufacturing process of the custom carrier board. This includes thorough inspections, electrical testing, and burn-in tests to identify any manufacturing defects or performance issues.

5. Document the design and manufacturing process: Maintain detailed documentation of the custom carrier board’s design, components used, and manufacturing process. This information may be required during the warranty claim process to demonstrate adherence to Nvidia’s guidelines.

6. Utilize the RMA process for warranty claims: In the event of a Jetson Orin Nano module failure, follow Nvidia’s RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) process to determine if the device is eligible for warranty replacement or repair. Be prepared to provide evidence that the custom carrier board was not responsible for the damage.

It’s worth accentuating that Nvidia does not have a formal certification process for custom carrier boards. The responsibility for ensuring compatibility and reliability lies with the product developer. However, by following Nvidia’s design guidelines, conducting thorough testing, and maintaining open communication with their support team, developers can minimize the risk of issues and improve the chances of successful warranty claims if needed.