GPIOs Not Working on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users have reported that the GPIO pins on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit suddenly stop functioning. The issue manifests when attempting to toggle GPIOs using both C programs with libgpiod and Python scripts with Jetson.GPIO. Symptoms include:

• No voltage output on the GPIO pins, even when correctly configured in software.
• Users have experienced this issue after attempting to change GPIO configurations, specifically when probing the 40-pin header, which may have led to accidental shorts.
• The problem appears to affect multiple GPIO pins, including those previously functioning correctly.
• The issue occurs consistently across various configurations and persists despite software checks confirming that the correct GPIO is being used.

The context involves users working with JetPack 6.0, where previous versions (like JetPack 5.1) reportedly did not exhibit this problem. Hardware specifications include the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects:

   • Accidental shorts while probing could damage GPIO circuitry, leading to permanent malfunction.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • Issues specific to JetPack 6.0 may cause GPIO functionality to fail, as users have noted that reverting to JetPack 5.1 resolves the problem.

3. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect pinmux settings may prevent GPIOs from functioning correctly. Users need to ensure that pins are set to "Bidirectional" in the pinmux configuration.

4. Driver Issues:

   • Outdated or incompatible drivers with JetPack 6.0 might not support GPIO operations as expected.

5. Environmental Factors:

   • Overheating or power supply issues could impact GPIO performance.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations:

   • Incorrect setup procedures or misunderstanding of the pin configurations can lead to non-functional GPIOs.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Software Version:

   • Verify the version of JetPack being used (gpioinfo command can help confirm this).
   • If using JetPack 6.0, consider downgrading to JetPack 5.1 where GPIO functionality is confirmed to work.

2. Inspect Pin Configuration:

   • Use the pinmux spreadsheet for your device to ensure proper configuration.
   • Set the pin direction for all relevant GPIOs to "Bidirectional" in the pinmux settings.
   • Command for checking pin configuration:

     sudo cat /sys/kernel/debug/gpio
     

3. Reflash Device with Updated Pinmux:

   • After modifying the pinmux settings, generate a new Device Tree Blob (DTB) and reflash your device.
   • Follow instructions from Nvidia’s documentation on generating and applying pinmux settings.

4. Test with Different Libraries:

   • If using Jetson.GPIO, try switching to libgpiod or vice versa to see if functionality changes.
   • Example command for testing GPIO state:

     gpioinfo | grep <GPIO_PIN>
     

5. Inspect for Physical Damage:

   • Check for any signs of physical damage on the board, especially around the 40-pin header.
   • If any burnt smell was detected during probing, consider RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) for hardware replacement.

6. Utilize Community Resources:

   • Engage with Nvidia forums and GitHub issues related to jetson-gpio for additional troubleshooting tips and updates on known issues.

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always double-check connections before probing with tools.
   • Maintain updated software and firmware versions compatible with your hardware specifications.

8. Recommended Approach:

   • Many users have successfully resolved similar issues by rolling back from JetPack 6.0 to JetPack 5.1, making it a highly recommended first step in troubleshooting.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to non-functional GPIOs on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit. Further investigation may be needed if problems persist after these troubleshooting measures are applied.