Jetson Orin Nano Devkit IMX219 Boot Failure

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing boot failures with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Devkit, specifically related to the IMX219 camera module. The symptoms include error messages during boot-up, notably:

• imx219_board_setup: error during i2c read probe (-121)
• kernel: tegradccommon module_init failed

These errors appear when the board is powered on without a camera attached. The issue has been reported consistently by multiple users, indicating a potential commonality in the problem, especially among those who have recently purchased the board and are attempting to set it up for the first time.

The hardware specifications mentioned include:

• Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
• Kernel version: 5.10.104-tegra

The impact of this issue on user experience is significant, as it raises concerns about hardware functionality and reliability. Users have reported that these errors prevent them from successfully using the camera and may hinder overall device performance.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for the boot failure have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the IMX219 camera is not properly connected or if there is a defect in the camera or its connection, it may lead to communication errors during boot.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The errors could stem from bugs in the kernel or conflicts with other drivers that are loaded at boot time.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the device tree or other system files may prevent proper initialization of hardware components.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers for the IMX219 camera may cause initialization failures.

• Environmental Factors: Issues such as inadequate power supply or overheating could potentially lead to hardware malfunctions during boot.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings or fail to connect necessary peripherals, leading to boot errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the boot failure issue with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Devkit, follow these troubleshooting steps and recommended solutions:

1. Reflash the Board:

   • Use the NVIDIA SDK Manager to reflash the board instead of using an SD card image.
   • Ensure you are using a compatible Linux environment (Ubuntu 18.04 or 20.04).

2. Check Connections:

   • Verify that all hardware connections, especially those related to the IMX219 camera, are secure.
   • If you have an IMX219 camera available, connect it to one of the CSI connectors and attempt to reboot.

3. Analyze Boot Logs:

   • Use the command sudo dmesg -H | grep failed to check for any additional error messages during boot.
   • Consider dumping full logs from a serial console for more detailed diagnostics.

4. Test with Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If possible, test with a different power supply or SD card to rule out hardware issues.
   • Boot without any peripherals attached (including cameras) and observe if the errors persist.

5. Driver and Firmware Updates:

   • Check for any available driver updates specific to your camera module and install them.
   • Review NVIDIA’s documentation for any firmware upgrades that may be required.

6. Use Recommended Cameras:

   • If using third-party cameras, ensure they are compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano and that you have configured their device tree entries correctly.
   • The supported default camera is Raspberry Pi Camera v2; using this may help eliminate compatibility issues.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for troubleshooting guides related to camera setup and driver installation.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

8. Escalate if Necessary:

   • If all troubleshooting steps fail and you suspect a hardware defect, consider contacting NVIDIA support for warranty service or replacement options.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the boot failure associated with their Jetson Orin Nano Devkit.