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IGX Software Stack Options#

The NVIDIA IGX software platform has the following two software stack options which are based on Ubuntu and designed for different needs:

  1. IGX SW (IGX OS) - IGX OS - Enterprise Grade Software Stack

  2. JetPack on IGX - JetPack on IGX - Customizable software stack leveraging JetPack tools

IGX software stacks have traditionally been delivered with a fixed, enterprise-grade operating system (IGX OS) for industrial use cases and long-term support. To address the need for deeper software customization while maintaining IGX’s industrial-grade reliability and safety features, NVIDIA also now offers JetPack on IGX from IGX SW 2.0. JetPack on IGX is a customizable software stack that brings the flexibility of JetPack to the robustness of IGX hardware.

This section explains the two software paths now available on IGX, when to choose each, and how to migrate from Jetson-based JetPack development to JetPack on IGX.

Software Paths for IGX#

NVIDIA IGX now supports two distinct software configurations, each optimized for different use cases:

IGX SW (IGX OS)#

Best for: Enterprise customers prioritizing stability, certification, and long-term support.

Characteristics:

  • Pre-built, signed kernel optimized for IGX hardware by Canonical

  • Enterprise-grade support up to 10 years through NVIDIA AI Enterprise for IGX (NVAIE-IGX).

  • No kernel-level customization — additional drivers provided as loadable kernel modules (LKMs)

When to choose IGX OS:

  • Long-term enterprise support is a top priority

  • Regulatory or certification processes favor a fixed, signed OS image

  • Custom kernel drivers can be accommodated as LKMs

  • Operational simplicity and reduced support burden are valued

Note

IGX OS includes some components like GRUB and Initramfs that are GPLv3 licensed. For more information, see GPLv3 license terms.

Note

JetPack on IGX is not supported on the IGX T7000. IGX OS is the only available software stack option for the IGX T7000.

JetPack on IGX#

Best for: Customers needing deeper software customization while leveraging IGX hardware and safety features.

Characteristics:

  • Kernel built from sources — full control over kernel configuration and custom drivers

  • Customizable OS — modify bootloader, root filesystem, services, and system configuration

  • JetPack build system — reuse existing JetPack tools, recipes, and development workflows

  • Familiar development model — consistent with Jetson JetPack, enabling easy knowledge transfer

  • Up to 5 years support per JetPack branch — similar support model to JetPack on Jetson, with ability to migrate to newer branches

When to choose JetPack on IGX:

  • Kernel-level customization or out-of-tree drivers are required

  • Already familiar with JetPack build systems and customization workflows

  • A 5-year support horizon per branch is sufficient

  • Planned migration to newer JetPack branches for continued support beyond 5 years is desired

Feature Comparison#

The following table compares the two software stack options:

Feature Comparison of IGX OS vs JetPack on IGX#

Category

IGX OS

JetPack on IGX

Kernel

Pre-built, signed Canonical kernel

Unsigned kernel built from sources by customer

Customization

LKMs only (no kernel modifications)

Full kernel and OS customization

Cadence of Security Vulnerability Patches

Aligned with Canonical SRU cycle through pre-built binaries

Aligned with Canonical SRU cycle through kernel source patches

Support Duration

Up to 10 years through NVAIE-IGX

Up to 5 years per JetPack branch

Development Model

Fixed image, operational focus

JetPack tooling, development focus

Functional Safety

Supported through the Safety Extension Package (SEP)

Supported through the Safety Extension Package (SEP)

Enterprise Support

Yes (using NVAIE-IGX)

No

JetPack on IGX: Architecture and Workflow#

JetPack on IGX reuses the familiar JetPack build infrastructure and tooling for Jetson, but substitutes the Jetson-specific kernel for an IGX-optimized kernel. Using NVIDIA-provided recipes, developers build a JetPack image for IGX hardware and retain full control over customization.

Key insight: JetPack on IGX is not a fork or variant—it is standard JetPack configured with the IGX kernel, enabling teams to use the same build systems, deployment tools, and update mechanisms they already know.

JetPack on IGX Architecture

Migration Path: From Jetson to IGX#

For teams with existing Jetson deployments or teams who have started development on Jetson, moving to JetPack on IGX is straightforward and requires only a few key steps that are shown in the following diagram:

Migration Path from Jetson to IGX

For more information on using the Jetson Linux BSP on IGX T5000, see JetPack on IGX.

Support and Maintenance#

The following section provides information about the support and maintenance for the two software stack options.

Support Duration#

IGX OS:

  • Supported for up to 10 years through NVAIE-IGX

  • A new IGX OS with an updated version of the OS is typically released every 2-3 years.

  • Enterprise support through NVAIE-IGX.

JetPack on IGX:

  • Supported for up to 5 years per JetPack branch.

  • New JetPack releases on a cadence of 2-3 years.

  • Support Forum

Security Updates#

Security updates are provided for both software paths in the following way:

  • IGX OS: Updates provided by Canonical SRU-Cycle through NVAIE-IGX.

  • JetPack on IGX: Updates provided for kernel, libraries, and tools through standard JetPack channels.