**I2C Timed Out Error on Jetson Orin Nano Development Kit**

Issue Overview

Users of the Jetson Orin Nano Development Kit are experiencing I2C timed out errors, particularly affecting USB-C functionality. The symptoms include:

• Kernel Log Errors: Users report messages such as "I2C transfer timed out" and errors during I2C read probes, specifically with the imx219 camera sensor.
• Device Detection Issues: Attempts to detect devices on the I2C bus using commands like i2cdetect fail, returning no devices and running slowly.
• Hardware Context: The issue manifests when using a USB-C controller chip (fusb301) that communicates over the I2C bus (I2C1).
• Frequency of Occurrence: The problem appears consistently after initial successful flashing of the device, indicating a potential hardware or configuration issue.
• Impact on Functionality: The USB-C port becomes non-functional post-boot into Tegra Ubuntu, despite working during the flashing process.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for the I2C timed out error have been identified:

1. Hardware Defects: Physical damage to the board or components, such as damaged USB ports, could lead to communication failures.
2. Software Bugs: Issues in the Jetpack software or kernel might cause instability in I2C communication.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the device tree or I2C bus configurations may prevent proper communication.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for I2C devices can lead to timeouts and failures in detection.
5. Environmental Factors: Insufficient power supply or overheating could affect device performance and communication reliability.
6. User Misconfigurations: Improper setup or connection of peripherals may result in communication errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To diagnose and potentially resolve the I2C timed out error, follow these comprehensive steps:

1. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure all connections are secure, particularly for the USB-C controller chip and I2C bus connections.
   • Inspect for physical damage on the board, especially around USB ports.

2. Reflash with SDK Manager:

   • Use the latest stable version of Jetpack (preferably Jetpack 5) to reflash the device:

     sdkmanager --flash <your_device>
     

   • Ensure you are using a pure image from SDK Manager without additional configurations.

3. Test Different Configurations:

   • Swap out the module/carrier board to isolate whether the issue is specific to one component.
   • Change I2C frequency settings in the device tree to see if it resolves detection issues.

4. Run Diagnostic Commands:

   • Use i2cdetect to check for device visibility on the I2C bus:

     i2cdetect -y 1
     

   • Check kernel logs for additional error messages:

     dmesg | grep i2c
     

5. Inspect Power Supply:

   • Ensure that the power supply meets the requirements for both voltage and current, as inadequate power can lead to communication failures.

6. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Check for any available updates for drivers related to USB-C and I2C devices from NVIDIA’s support pages.

7. Consider RMA for Hardware Defects:

   • If physical damage is confirmed or if issues persist post-troubleshooting, consider initiating a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process with NVIDIA.

8. Document Unresolved Issues:

   • If problems persist after following troubleshooting steps, document specific errors and behaviors to seek further assistance from NVIDIA support forums.

By following these steps, users can systematically address the I2C timed out error on their Jetson Orin Nano Development Kit while gathering necessary information for further troubleshooting if needed.