Lack of Direct Reference Design for Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Carrier Board

Issue Overview

Users developing custom carrier boards for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano are facing challenges due to the absence of a specific reference design for this module. The available reference designs are either for the entire Orin series or for older Jetson models, which complicates the design process for those focusing solely on the Orin Nano. This situation has led to confusion about the best approach for starting a carrier board project specifically for the Orin Nano.

Possible Causes

1. Product Line Consolidation: Nvidia may have opted for a unified reference design covering multiple Orin series products to streamline documentation and support.

2. Recent Product Release: The Orin Nano being a newer product in the Jetson lineup might not have a dedicated reference design yet, as development resources could be focused on other aspects.

3. Design Flexibility: Nvidia might be encouraging developers to create more flexible designs that can accommodate multiple Jetson modules, rather than providing module-specific designs.

4. Documentation Strategy: The company may be relying on migration guides and general design principles rather than specific reference designs for each product variant.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the lack of a direct reference design for the Jetson Orin Nano carrier board, developers can follow these steps and recommendations:

1. Consult the Orin Series Design Guide:

   • Refer to the "Jetson Orin NX Series and Orin Nano Series Design Guide" available in the Jetson Download Center.
   • This guide provides comprehensive information about the Orin Nano’s specifications and design considerations.

2. Utilize Available Reference Designs:

   • Start with the Jetson AGX Orin DevKit Carrier Board Design Files, specifically the P3737_A04_Concept_schematics.pdf.
   • While this design covers the entire Orin series, it can serve as a valuable reference for Orin Nano-specific features.

3. Adapt Existing Designs:

   • Begin with a base design for the Jetson Nano.
   • Use Nvidia’s migration documents to adapt the design for Orin Nano compatibility.
   • Modify the design according to customer specifications and Orin Nano requirements.

4. Consider Cross-Compatibility:

   • Design a carrier board that supports both Orin NX and Orin Nano series modules by focusing on their common I/Os.
   • This approach increases the versatility of your design and aligns with Nvidia’s strategy.

5. Review Pin Compatibility:

   • Note that Jetson Orin NX & Jetson Orin Nano series modules are not pin-compatible with Jetson Xavier NX and Jetson Nano series modules.
   • Carefully review the pin assignments and I/O specifications when adapting designs from older Jetson models.

6. Consult Jetson FAQ:

   • Check the Jetson FAQ on the NVIDIA Developer website for additional insights and answers to common questions about carrier board design.

7. Engage with Developer Community:

   • Participate in Nvidia developer forums and communities to share experiences and gather insights from other developers working on similar projects.

8. Iterative Design Process:

   • Implement an iterative design process, starting with a basic carrier board design that meets the core requirements of the Orin Nano.
   • Gradually refine and expand the design based on testing and specific use case requirements.

9. Leverage Nvidia Support Channels:

   • Reach out to Nvidia’s technical support or developer relations team for guidance on best practices for Orin Nano carrier board design.
   • Request additional resources or clarification on design aspects specific to the Orin Nano.

By following these steps and leveraging the available resources, developers can overcome the challenge of not having a direct reference design for the Jetson Orin Nano carrier board. This approach combines the use of existing documentation, adaptation of related designs, and consideration of cross-compatibility to create effective carrier board solutions for the Orin Nano.