How to Use USB 3.0 Port as DP, HDMI, or Ethernet on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties in utilizing the USB 3.0 port on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board for outputting display signals (DP or HDMI) or for Ethernet connectivity. The main symptoms include:

• Inability to output video through the USB 3.0 port.
• Lack of functionality when attempting to use the USB port for Ethernet transfer.
• Users are seeking alternative solutions to expand display and network connectivity options.

This issue arises during project development phases where additional display outputs or Ethernet ports are necessary. The Jetson Orin Nano is equipped with specific hardware and software configurations that limit the functionality of the USB ports. The problem appears consistent across multiple user reports, indicating a widespread limitation rather than isolated incidents.

The impact on user experience is significant, as developers may find themselves constrained by the available ports, hindering their ability to implement complex projects that require multiple displays or network connections.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Limitations: The Jetson Orin Nano does not support video output from USB ports due to its integrated GPU architecture.

• Driver Compatibility: The integrated GPU (iGPU) is not compatible with drivers designed for discrete PCIe GPUs (dGPU), which prevents the use of USB for video output.

• Configuration Errors: Users may be misunderstanding the capabilities of the USB 3.0 port and its intended uses, leading to misconfigurations.

• Lack of Support: Current Nvidia Jetson models do not have firmware or software updates that enable this functionality.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Specifications:

   • Ensure that you are using the correct model of the Jetson Orin Nano and check its specifications against your project requirements.

2. Check Documentation:

   • Review Nvidia’s official documentation regarding the Jetson Orin Nano to confirm supported functionalities of USB ports.

3. Testing Alternative Ports:

   • If additional display outputs are needed, consider using HDMI or DP ports available on the board instead of attempting to repurpose USB 3.0.

4. Explore External Solutions:

   • For Ethernet connectivity, consider using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter compatible with Jetson devices if additional network ports are required.

5. Monitor Updates from Nvidia:

   • Keep an eye on Nvidia’s announcements for any future updates that may enhance port functionalities or introduce new features.

6. Community Engagement:

   • Engage with forums and community discussions for any emerging solutions or workarounds that other developers may discover.

7. Best Practices for Future Projects:

   • When planning projects, always account for the hardware limitations of your development board and design around available resources without relying on unsupported features.

8. Document Findings:

   • If you discover any workarounds or solutions through experimentation, document these findings and share them with the community for collective benefit.

No unresolved aspects were noted in the discussion; however, users are encouraged to stay updated on future developments from Nvidia regarding potential changes in driver support or hardware capabilities.