DisplayPort Output Issue on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano after Resolution Change

Issue Overview

Users have reported an issue with the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano board where, after the NVIDIA logo appears during boot, the login screen does not display, and an error message indicates that there is no DisplayPort (DP) output. This problem typically arises after changing the resolution from a previously functional setting of 1280x720p. Users can confirm that the boot process completes normally by connecting remotely via PuTTY, suggesting that the issue is isolated to the display output. The problem seems to occur consistently, significantly impacting user experience as it prevents access to the graphical interface.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The issue may stem from using a custom carrier board that is not fully compatible with the Orin Nano’s hardware requirements.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There could be bugs in the JetPack version being used or conflicts with other software components.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the device configuration files (e.g., .config file) may lead to improper initialization of the display output.
• Driver Issues: Missing or improperly loaded drivers, such as nvidia-modeset, could prevent proper display functionality.
• Environmental Factors: Factors like power supply issues or overheating may also contribute to hardware malfunction.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly setting up the display configuration or using incompatible cables/adapters could lead to display failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check JetPack Version and Carrier Board:

   • Verify which version of JetPack is installed and ensure compatibility with your specific carrier board.

2. Gather System Information:

   • Use the following commands to check display settings:

     xrandr
     cat /var/log/Xorg.0.log
     

   • Look for errors or indications that no monitor is detected.

3. Test Different Resolutions:

   • If possible, revert to previous resolutions known to work (e.g., 1280x720p) using xrandr commands.

4. Inspect Configuration Files:

   • Review and modify your .config file if necessary. Ensure that device tree binaries (DTBs) and pinmux settings are correctly configured for your specific board.

5. Load Required Modules:

   • Check if nvidia-modeset is loaded correctly:

     modprobe nvidia-modeset
     

   • If you encounter errors like "No such device," ensure that you are using a compatible carrier board and that all hardware components are functioning properly.

6. Use Compatible Cables/Adapters:

   • Ensure that you are using a high-quality DisplayPort cable and any necessary adapters (e.g., HDMI-DisplayPort) that are known to work with other devices.

7. Reflash Device with Correct Configuration:

   • If issues persist, consider reflashing the device using a known working configuration file (e.g., jetson-orin-nano-devkit.conf) or one specifically tailored for your custom board.

8. Cross-Validation with DevKit:

   • If available, test your setup on an NVIDIA DevKit to rule out hardware issues with your custom board.

9. Firmware Updates:

   • Check for any available firmware updates for both the Jetson Orin Nano and connected peripherals.

10. Community Support and Documentation:

    • Refer to NVIDIA’s developer forums for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.

By following these steps, users can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve DisplayPort output issues on their NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano boards. If problems persist after these troubleshooting steps, further investigation may be required, potentially involving direct support from NVIDIA or community forums.