Jackson provides a compact, economical, and I/O-rich solution for NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano / Orin NX GPU modules. Jackson brings out all I/O from the modules to I/O connectors or expansion sockets. Two quad-lane CSI camera connectors enable high-performance image processing applications utilizing the enhanced capabilities of the Orin series.

An I/O expansion connector provides a convenient way to customize Orin Nano / NX applications by designing low-cost I/O daughterboards that mount directly underneath the Jackson carrier board. The connector provides PCIe, USB3, I2C, and power via a flex circuit cable. Daughterboards can be designed to provide extra Ethernet and USB ports, extra M.2 and minicard sockets, and other I/O.

Jackson is available both as a carrier board and as a complete integrated solution with Jetson module and fan sink installed and Linux OS loaded. See the ordering information tab for part numbers and configurations.

The illustrations below show the wealth of I/O and expansion sockets available on Jackson.

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Expansion Capabilities

Jackson contains multiple sockets for I/O and mass storage:

• The M.2 M key socket with NVMe PCIe x4 connectivity is generally used for mass storage, since the Orin Nano and Orin NX modules lack integrated eMMC mass storage. The socket supports both 2242 and 2280 size modules, and all mounting hardware is included.
• A full-size minicard socket provides both PCIe and USB interfaces to support a wide range of I/O modules including analog, digital, serial, Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
• An M.2 E key 2230 socket supports the installation of modem, WiFi, and Bluetooth modules for mobile applications.

Daughterboard Expansion

A unique flex cable connector enables additional I/O expansion with off the shelf or custom-developed daughterboards. The connector offers USB 3.0 and PCIe connectivity to the Jetson module, as well as power. Since an I/O daughterboard is much quicker and easier to design than a full-custom carrier board, the effort required to add custom I/O to your Orin Nano / NX project is simplified. For example, additional USB 3.0 ports, additional Ethernet ports, an Ethernet switch, or even a PoE PD circuit can all easily be implemented on a daughterboard.

Daughterboards typically are the same size as the main board and mount directly underneath the main board for convenient packaging. They can also be mounted in tandem for a thinner but wider form factor.