Powering Jetson Orin Nano/NX over USB-C

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing uncertainty regarding the power supply options for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano and NX modules, specifically concerning the feasibility of powering these modules directly through USB-C. The main symptoms include:

• Power Supply Queries: Users are unsure if the Jetson Orin Nano/NX can be powered via USB-C, which can deliver up to 100W.
• Reference Design Concerns: There is confusion about whether the reference design from the Jetson AGX Orin Series Design Guide can be applied to the Nano/NX models and what considerations regarding power sequencing must be taken into account.
• Lack of Documentation: Users have reported difficulties in finding relevant design files and schematics for the Jetson Nano 2GB Developer Kit, which complicates their setup.

The issue primarily occurs during the initial setup phase when users are attempting to establish a power supply configuration. The frequency of these inquiries indicates that this is a common concern among users. The impact on user experience is significant, as improper power configurations can lead to system instability or failure to operate.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for the issues discussed in the forum include:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The Jetson Orin Nano/NX may have specific power requirements that differ from other Jetson models, leading to potential incompatibility with generic USB-C power supplies.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: If there are firmware or software bugs related to power management, this could lead to failures when attempting to power the device through USB-C.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in GPIO/I2C settings may prevent successful power delivery.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or missing drivers could lead to improper recognition of power sources.

• Environmental Factors: Issues such as inadequate power supply ratings or unstable connections could affect performance.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may misinterpret design guides or overlook critical steps in setting up their hardware.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issues surrounding powering the Jetson Orin Nano/NX over USB-C, follow these troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Verify Power Supply Specifications:

   • Ensure that your USB-C power supply can deliver sufficient wattage (up to 100W) as required by the Jetson Orin Nano/NX.

2. Consult Design Guides:

   • Review the Jetson AGX Orin Series Design Guide thoroughly for specific requirements and recommendations regarding power sequencing and GPIO/I2C configurations.

3. Check GPIO/I2C Pin Configuration:

   • Identify equivalent GPIO/I2C pins for the Nano/NX modules as outlined in the design guide. This information is crucial for proper power management.

4. Test with Different Power Sources:

   • If possible, test powering the device with different USB-C adapters and cables to rule out hardware issues.

5. Update Firmware and Drivers:

   • Ensure that all firmware and drivers related to the Jetson Orin modules are up-to-date. This may resolve conflicts affecting power delivery.

6. Documentation Availability:

   • For users seeking design files, check Nvidia’s Jetson Download Center for any available documentation related to your specific model. If files are not found, it may indicate they are not publicly available.

7. Follow Community Insights:

   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users who have successfully powered their devices using similar configurations.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always refer to official documentation before making hardware modifications.
   • Maintain updated records of all configurations used during setup for future reference.

No specific code snippets or terminal commands were mentioned in the forum discussion; however, users should consider using diagnostic tools provided within Nvidia’s software ecosystem to monitor power delivery and performance metrics.

Unresolved Aspects

While many users have shared insights on following design guides, there remains a lack of validated reference designs specifically tailored for powering the Jetson Orin Nano/NX over USB-C. Further investigation into community-shared designs may be necessary for those looking for more practical examples.