Can Orin Nano MIPI CSI Use an External Display?

Issue Overview

The discussion revolves around the inability to connect an LCD display to the MIPI Camera Serial Interface (CSI) on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. Users are experiencing confusion regarding the functionality of the CSI interface, particularly whether it can be used for output to an external display.

Symptoms and Context:

• Users are attempting to connect an LCD screen to one of the CSI interfaces, expecting it to function as a display output.
• The issue arises during project setups where users need to visualize camera data on an external screen.
• The primary hardware involved is the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board and an external LCD screen.
• The problem appears consistent across multiple users, indicating a general misunderstanding of the CSI capabilities.

Impact on User Experience:

The inability to connect an LCD via CSI limits users’ options for displaying visual data, which can hinder project development and functionality. This misunderstanding may lead to wasted time in troubleshooting and searching for solutions that do not exist.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Limitations: The CSI interface on the Jetson Orin Nano is designed solely for input signals, meaning it can only receive data from cameras or sensors, not send data to displays.

• Misunderstanding of CSI Functionality: Users may confuse the capabilities of the CSI interface with other interfaces that support output, such as HDMI or DisplayPort.

• Lack of Documentation: Insufficient clarity in official documentation regarding the limitations of the CSI interface may contribute to user confusion.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Verify Interface Specifications:

   • Check Nvidia’s official documentation for the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board to confirm that the CSI interface is input-only.

2. Test Alternative Connections:

   • If a display is needed, consider using HDMI or DisplayPort outputs available on the board instead of attempting to connect through CSI.

3. Gather System Information:

   • Use terminal commands to check connected devices and their configurations:

     ls /dev/video*
     

   • This command will list all video devices connected, allowing users to verify if their camera is recognized.

4. Review Project Requirements:

   • Reassess project specifications and determine if alternative methods for visualizing data (like using a different interface) are feasible.

5. Seek Community Input:

   • If further clarification is needed, consider posting additional questions in forums dedicated to Nvidia Jetson products or reviewing existing threads.

Recommended Solutions

• Use HDMI or DisplayPort: For displaying output from applications or visualizing data from sensors, use HDMI or DisplayPort connections instead of attempting to utilize the CSI interface.

• Documentation Review: Regularly consult Nvidia’s documentation for updates on supported interfaces and capabilities of the Jetson Orin Nano.

Best Practices

• Always confirm hardware specifications before starting a project involving multiple interfaces.

• Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions related to similar issues.

Unresolved Aspects

While users have confirmed that connecting an LCD directly through CSI is not possible, further investigation into potential software solutions or alternative hardware configurations may be beneficial for specific project requirements.