FAQ
What is a Jetson module?
A Jetson module is the core processing unit that contains the CPU, GPU, memory, and storage. It’s like the “brain” of the system. Modules are designed to be mounted on carrier boards and are available in various performance levels (e.g., Orin Nano, Orin NX, AGX Orin).
What is a Carrier Board?
A carrier board (or baseboard) provides the necessary connectors and interfaces — such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, CSI, GPIO — so you can actually use the Jetson module in real-world applications. Think of it as the “body” that connects and powers the module.
What is the difference between a Development Kit and a Developer Kit?
Developer Kit refers to an official bundle that includes the Jetson module and the reference carrier board from NVIDIA, while Development Kit is a broader term that can refer to either NVIDIA’s official kits or custom solutions from third-party vendors (e.g., Jetson module + third-party carrier board).
How to Choose the Right Jetson Module for Your Project
To choose the right Jetson module for your project, start by evaluating your needs: What AI models will you run (light, medium, or heavy)? Do you require real-time camera input, and how many streams? What are your power limitations? Will the system operate in industrial environments? Your decision should be based on compute, memory, power, and I/O requirements. For example, Jetson Orin Nano is suitable for entry-level AI tasks with low power consumption, Jetson Orin NX offers a balance between performance and efficiency, and Jetson AGX Orin is ideal for high-performance AI and robotics workloads. Also, consider your inference workload (e.g., FPS and model size), edge deployment constraints, and scalability.
Can I Use My Jetson Module With a Different Carrier Board?
Yes, Jetson modules follow a standardized connector layout (depending on form factor), but BSP and driver compatibility is critical. Make sure the chosen carrier board supports your Jetson module and comes with a reliable BSP package.
Which Carrier Board Is Best Suited for My Use Case?
NVIDIA provides reference carrier boards, but you can also use third-party carrier boards tailored to specific needs (e.g., industrial I/O, fanless, compact form). Choose based on: power input type, number/type of ports (USB, M.2, Ethernet, CAN, etc.), environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, etc.), and available documentation and support.
Why Doesn’t My Device Display Anything When I Connect It to a Monitor?
Jetson products are shipped without a pre-installed operating system. To get the device up and running with a display output, you need to first install the appropriate BSP (Board Support Package). Once installed, the device will start displaying.
I Completed the Installation, but a Specific Port or Connector Isn’t Working. Why?
This is often due to an incorrect or incomplete installation. Please follow the official documentation closely and reinstall the system.
I Connected a Camera to the Jetson, but There’s No Video Output. What Could Be Wrong?
For CSI cameras, ensure the camera is connected while the system is powered off. After connecting, power on the Jetson and allow related services to initialize properly. You can also try rebooting after connection.
How can I flash Jetson modules with a custom image or my own software stack?
You can use NVIDIA SDK Manager to flash official JetPack images. For custom OS or embedded deployments, use tools like flash.sh from the L4T package. Always ensure image compatibility with your hardware setup.