I2C Slave Mode Support on Jetson Orin Nano/NX

Issue Overview

Users are seeking clarification on which I2C ports of the Jetson Orin Nano/NX module support I2C slave mode. This information is crucial for implementing specific functionalities, such as MCU firmware over-the-air (OTA) upgrades. The user intends to connect an ST microcontroller (acting as an I2C master) to communicate with the Orin Nano/NX module.

Possible Causes

1. Lack of Documentation: The user may not have access to or be aware of the specific documentation detailing I2C slave mode support for the Jetson Orin Nano/NX module.

2. Hardware Limitations: Some I2C ports on the module might not support slave mode due to hardware design constraints.

3. Software Configuration: The I2C slave mode might require specific software or driver configurations that are not immediately apparent.

4. Misunderstanding of I2C Capabilities: The user might be unclear about the general I2C capabilities of the Jetson Orin Nano/NX module, leading to confusion about slave mode support.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Consult Official Documentation:

   • Refer to the Jetson Orin Nano Series Module Data Sheet, specifically section 2.10.6 Inter-Chip Communication (I2C).
   • This document should provide detailed information about the I2C capabilities of the module, including any slave mode support.

2. Identify Available I2C Ports:

   • The Jetson Orin Nano/NX module has four I2C ports available.
   • Review the specifications of each port to determine if any explicitly support slave mode.

3. Check Software Support:

   • Investigate the NVIDIA JetPack SDK documentation for any mentions of I2C slave mode configuration.
   • Look for specific drivers or software components that might enable I2C slave mode functionality.

4. Contact NVIDIA Support:

   • If the documentation doesn’t provide clear information about I2C slave mode support, reach out to NVIDIA’s technical support for clarification.
   • Provide them with details about your specific use case (MCU firmware OTA upgrade) to get targeted assistance.

5. Explore Alternative Solutions:

   • If I2C slave mode is not supported, consider alternative communication methods between the ST MCU and the Jetson module, such as:
     • Using the Jetson as an I2C master and the MCU as a slave
     • Implementing a different communication protocol (e.g., SPI, UART)
     • Utilizing a bidirectional I2C configuration if supported

6. Test and Verify:

   • Once you’ve identified a potential I2C port that might support slave mode, perform tests to verify functionality:
     • Use I2C tools available in Linux to configure and test the I2C slave mode
     • Implement a simple communication test between the ST MCU (master) and the Jetson module (slave)

7. Firmware and Driver Updates:

   • Ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano/NX module is running the latest firmware and drivers.
   • Check for any updates that might have added or improved I2C slave mode support.

8. Community Resources:

   • Search NVIDIA Developer forums and community resources for similar inquiries or projects involving I2C slave mode on Jetson platforms.
   • Engage with the community to share experiences and potential workarounds if official support is limited.

By following these steps and consulting the official documentation, you should be able to determine the I2C slave mode capabilities of your Jetson Orin Nano/NX module and implement the desired MCU firmware OTA upgrade functionality.