Does Orin Nano support IMX708?

Issue Overview

Users of the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit are encountering challenges when attempting to use the IMX708 CSI camera with their development board. The primary symptoms include:

• Unsupported Camera: The IMX708 camera is not listed among the supported sensors in the NVIDIA documentation, leading users to question its compatibility.

• Context of Issue: This issue arises during the setup phase when users attempt to integrate the IMX708 camera for imaging applications. The users have confirmed their development environment specifications, including:

  • Model: NVIDIA Orin Nano Developer Kit
  • Jetpack Version: 5.1.1 [L4T 35.3.1]
  • Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04
  • Kernel Version: 5.10.104-tegra

• Frequency: This problem appears to be consistent among users trying to implement the IMX708 camera, as it is not officially supported.

• Impact: The inability to use the IMX708 camera significantly hampers users’ ability to develop applications that require this specific imaging hardware, potentially limiting project scope and functionality.

Possible Causes

The lack of support for the IMX708 camera on the Orin Nano could stem from several factors:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The IMX708 may require specific hardware interfaces or configurations that are not present on the Orin Nano.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be unresolved issues within the Jetpack software stack that prevent proper integration of unsupported cameras.

• Driver Issues: The absence of a dedicated driver for the IMX708 in the current version of Jetpack means that it cannot communicate effectively with the Orin Nano.

• Configuration Errors: Users may misconfigure settings or parameters when attempting to integrate unsupported hardware.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users might not follow best practices or overlook necessary steps during setup, leading to failures in camera recognition.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue of using the IMX708 camera with the Orin Nano, users can follow these troubleshooting steps and potential solutions:

1. Verify Compatibility:

   • Check NVIDIA’s official documentation for any updates regarding supported cameras.
   • Review forums and community discussions for any user experiences related to the IMX708.

2. Driver Implementation:

   • Since default BSP does not support the IMX708, users can attempt to implement their own driver.
   • This process may involve:
     • Downloading driver source code compatible with similar cameras (e.g., IMX185, IMX219).
     • Modifying and compiling the driver for the IMX708.
     • Testing integration with existing software stacks.

3. Gather System Information:

   • Use terminal commands to gather relevant system information:

     jetson_release
     

   • Confirm hardware and software versions are up-to-date.

4. Testing Different Configurations:

   • If possible, test with other supported cameras (e.g., IMX219) to ensure that the issue is isolated to the IMX708.
   • Experiment with different configurations in dmesg logs for any error messages related to camera initialization.

5. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights or shared experiences regarding similar issues.
   • Consider posting detailed logs and findings for further assistance from experienced developers.

6. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Regularly check for updates from NVIDIA regarding new supported devices.
   • Maintain backups of working configurations before attempting new integrations.
   • Document all changes made during troubleshooting for future reference.

7. Documentation and Updates:

   • Keep an eye on NVIDIA’s official channels for any firmware updates or new releases that may include support for additional cameras.

By following these steps, users can better diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to using unsupported cameras like the IMX708 with their NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.