Using DisplayPort (DP) on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Board are inquiring about the possibility of using the DP0 signal for a DisplayPort (DP) display interface. This question arises in the context of hardware connectivity options for the development board, specifically related to display output capabilities. The issue impacts users who may be looking to connect DisplayPort monitors or other DP-compatible display devices to their Jetson Orin Nano.

Possible Causes

1. Misunderstanding of Hardware Specifications: Users may be unfamiliar with the specific hardware configuration of the Jetson Orin Nano, leading to confusion about available display output options.

2. Lack of Clear Documentation: Insufficient or unclear documentation about the board’s display output capabilities could contribute to user uncertainty.

3. Hardware Limitations: The Jetson Orin Nano may have specific hardware constraints that limit the use of certain signals for display output.

4. Design Choices: NVIDIA’s design decisions for the Jetson Orin Nano may prioritize certain functionalities over others, affecting the availability of specific display interfaces.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Consult the Design Guide:

   • Refer to the official Jetson Orin Nano Design Guide for accurate information about the board’s hardware specifications and capabilities.
   • Look for sections detailing display output options and pin configurations.

2. Understanding DP0 Usage:

   • The DP0 signal on the Jetson Orin Nano is not available for use as a DisplayPort interface.
   • DP0 is utilized for USBSS (USB SuperSpeed) functionality, as confirmed by the NVIDIA team.

3. Exploring Alternative Display Outputs:

   • Check the Design Guide for other available display output options on the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Common alternatives might include HDMI, eDP (embedded DisplayPort), or DSI (Display Serial Interface).

4. USB-C Display Output:

   • If your Jetson Orin Nano has a USB-C port, investigate whether it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output.
   • This could provide an alternative method for connecting to DisplayPort monitors.

5. Using Adapters:

   • If direct DisplayPort output is not available, consider using adapters to convert from available output interfaces (e.g., HDMI to DisplayPort).
   • Ensure that any adapters used are compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano’s specifications.

6. Staying Informed:

   • Keep an eye on NVIDIA’s official documentation and forums for any updates or changes to the Jetson Orin Nano’s display capabilities.
   • Consider subscribing to NVIDIA’s developer newsletters or following their social media channels for the latest information.

7. Seeking Support:

   • If you require DisplayPort functionality and cannot find a suitable alternative, contact NVIDIA support for further assistance.
   • Provide detailed information about your specific use case and requirements to help them offer the most appropriate solution.

By following these steps and understanding the hardware limitations, users can effectively navigate the display output options available on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Board and find suitable alternatives to DisplayPort if needed.