Power Supply Requirements for Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board are seeking information about the power supply requirements for their devices. There is uncertainty regarding the availability of official power supplies and the specifications needed when considering third-party alternatives. This issue is crucial for proper setup and operation of the Jetson Orin Nano, as using an incorrect power supply could potentially damage the board or lead to unstable performance.

Possible Causes

1. Lack of Clear Documentation: The power supply specifications may not be prominently featured in the product documentation, leading to user confusion.

2. Limited Availability of Official Power Supplies: Nvidia may not provide readily available power supplies specifically for the Jetson Orin Nano, forcing users to seek third-party options.

3. Varying Power Requirements: Different use cases or configurations of the Jetson Orin Nano might have different power needs, causing uncertainty about the correct specifications.

4. Regional Availability Issues: Users in certain regions might face difficulties in obtaining the recommended power supply, necessitating the use of local alternatives.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the power supply concerns for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these steps:

1. Verify Official Specifications:

   • The Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit requires a 19V DC power supply.
   • The power adapter should be capable of delivering at least 65W.

2. Obtain Official Power Supply:

   • Check Nvidia’s official website or authorized resellers for the recommended power supply.
   • If available, purchase the official power supply to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

3. Third-Party Power Supply Selection:
   If opting for a third-party power supply, ensure it meets the following criteria:

   • Output Voltage: 19V DC
   • Minimum Power Output: 65W
   • Connector Type: 5.5mm outer diameter, 2.5mm inner diameter barrel plug
   • Polarity: Center-positive

4. Power Consumption Considerations:

   • The Jetson Orin Nano typically consumes between 5W to 15W during operation.
   • Factor in additional power requirements for peripherals connected to the board.

5. Safety Precautions:

   • Always use a high-quality power supply from a reputable manufacturer.
   • Ensure the power supply has appropriate safety certifications for your region.
   • Avoid using power supplies with significantly higher wattage than required, as they may not provide optimal efficiency.

6. Alternative Power Options:

   • The Jetson Orin Nano supports power over Ethernet (PoE) with an additional PoE module.
   • If using PoE, ensure your network switch or PoE injector can provide sufficient power (65W or higher).

7. Checking Power Status:
   To verify if your power supply is functioning correctly:

   sudo jetson_clocks --show
   

   This command will display current power and clock settings, helping you confirm proper power delivery.

8. Monitoring Power Consumption:
   Use the following command to monitor real-time power consumption:

   sudo jetson_power.py
   

   This can help you determine if your power supply is adequate for your specific use case.

9. Troubleshooting Power Issues:
   If experiencing power-related problems:

   • Check all connections are secure.
   • Verify the power LED on the board is lit.
   • Use a multimeter to confirm the power supply is outputting the correct voltage.
   • If issues persist, try a different power supply that meets the specifications.

By following these guidelines, users can ensure they select an appropriate power supply for their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, whether opting for the official solution or a compatible third-party alternative. This will help maintain the board’s stability and performance while avoiding potential damage due to incorrect power delivery.