ESD Protection - GPIOs/I2C/SPI

Hi,
The datasheet of the module doesn’t include any information regarding ESD or any other protection for those pins.
Are there internal protections? If I route those signals for headers, must I use TVS/ESD protection?
In the DevKit, most of the signals which are routed to headers are via voltage translators which include internal protection.

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The Jetson Orin Nano module, like other electronic components, requires careful consideration of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection to prevent damage to the device. While the datasheet may not explicitly mention ESD protection for specific pins, it’s essential to understand the internal protections and recommended design practices to ensure reliable operation.

Internal Protections:
The Jetson Orin Nano module, as a System-on-Module (SoM), likely has some internal ESD protection mechanisms, such as diodes or resistors, to protect the internal components from ESD events. However, these internal protections may not be sufficient to protect the module from external ESD threats, especially when signals are routed to headers or connectors.

Comparison with DevKit:
The DevKit, which is a development board for the Jetson Orin Nano module, provides a reference design for routing signals to headers. In the DevKit, many signals are routed through voltage translators, which include internal protection mechanisms, such as ESD diodes or TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diodes. These protection mechanisms help to absorb or clamp ESD transients, preventing damage to the module.

Recommendations for Header Routing:
When routing signals from the Jetson Orin Nano module to headers, it’s recommended to follow similar design practices as the DevKit. This may include:

  1. Using voltage translators: If possible, use voltage translators with internal protection mechanisms, like ESD diodes or TVS diodes, to protect the signals.
  2. Adding external ESD protection: Consider adding external ESD protection components, such as TVS diodes or ESD diodes, to the signal lines to provide additional protection.
  3. Following ESD design guidelines: Ensure that the PCB design and layout follow ESD design guidelines, such as keeping signal lines short, using ground planes, and avoiding sensitive components near the edges of the board.

TVS/ESD Protection:
TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diodes or ESD diodes can be used to protect signals from ESD transients. These components can be placed on the signal lines, near the headers or connectors, to absorb or clamp ESD events. When selecting TVS/ESD protection components, consider factors like the signal voltage, current, and the desired level of protection.

In summary, while the Jetson Orin Nano module may have some internal ESD protection mechanisms, it’s still essential to follow recommended design practices and consider adding external ESD protection components when routing signals to headers. By doing so, you can help ensure the reliable operation of the module and prevent damage from ESD events.

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So, if m understanding is correct - I can’t rely on any protections provided by the SoC itself, but I should place TVS on any module’s pin which is exposed to headers.
Is that correct?

ESD protection if needed needs to provided on the custom carrier board design and needs to meet any signal integrity requirements for that interface. Refer to the Orin NX/Nano Design Guide Jetson Orin NX Series and Orin Nano Series Design Guide https://developer.nvidia.com/downloads/jetson-orin-nx-series-nano-series-design-guide and search for ESD for recommendations for each interface to be used in your design.

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