Compatibility of WaveShare RS485 CAN Expansion Board with Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit

Issue Overview

Users are inquiring about the compatibility of the WaveShare RS485 CAN Expansion Board with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The main concerns include:

• Whether the expansion board is directly compatible with the Orin Nano Dev Kit
• The possibility of remapping pins physically if not directly compatible
• The need for specific configuration or setup steps to ensure proper functionality

This compatibility question is crucial for users looking to integrate CAN (Controller Area Network) and RS485 communication capabilities into their Jetson Orin Nano projects.

Possible Causes

Several factors could affect the compatibility and functionality of the WaveShare RS485 CAN Expansion Board with the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit:

1. Pin Configuration Differences: The Orin Nano Dev Kit may have a different pin layout compared to other Jetson boards, potentially causing compatibility issues.

2. Software/Driver Incompatibility: The expansion board might require specific drivers or software configurations that are not yet optimized for the Orin Nano.

3. JetPack Version Compatibility: Different versions of JetPack (NVIDIA’s SDK for Jetson) may have varying levels of support for external hardware.

4. SPI Interface Issues: As the expansion board likely uses SPI for communication, any problems with the SPI interface on the Orin Nano could affect compatibility.

5. Device Tree and Pinmux Configuration: Incorrect or missing device tree and pinmux configurations could prevent proper recognition and functionality of the expansion board.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the compatibility concerns and ensure proper functionality of the WaveShare RS485 CAN Expansion Board with the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit, follow these steps:

1. Verify JetPack Version:

   • Check your current JetPack version installed on the Orin Nano.
   • Ensure you are using the latest compatible version for optimal support.

2. Perform SPI Loopback Test:

   • Before connecting the expansion board, verify the SPI functionality on your Orin Nano devkit.
   • Use the following command to check if SPI is enabled:

     ls /dev/spidev*
     

   • If no devices are listed, you may need to enable SPI in the device tree.

3. Request Porting Guide from Vendor:

   • Contact WaveShare support to obtain a porting guide or tools specific to the Orin Nano.
   • This documentation may provide crucial information for proper setup and configuration.

4. Modify Device Tree and Pinmux:

   • If direct compatibility is not possible, you may need to modify the device tree and pinmux configurations.
   • Consult with NVIDIA support for guidance on which specific modifications are required for your devkit.

5. Physical Pin Remapping (if necessary):

   • If software configuration doesn’t resolve the issue, carefully examine the pin layouts of both the Orin Nano and the expansion board.
   • Create a mapping diagram to identify which pins need to be connected.
   • Use jumper wires or a custom adapter board to physically remap the pins as needed.

6. Test CAN and RS485 Functionality:

   • After connecting the expansion board, verify CAN functionality:

     sudo ip link set can0 up type can bitrate 500000
     candump can0
     

   • For RS485, you can use a terminal program like minicom to test communication:

     sudo minicom -D /dev/ttyTHS0 -b 9600
     

7. Check for Firmware Updates:

   • Visit the WaveShare website to see if there are any firmware updates available for the expansion board that might improve compatibility.

8. Community Support:

   • If issues persist, consider reaching out to the Jetson community forums or NVIDIA Developer forums for additional assistance and potential workarounds from other users who may have successfully integrated this expansion board.

Remember to document any successful configurations or workarounds you discover, as this information can be valuable for other users facing similar compatibility challenges.