IMX477 Waveshare Camera Compatibility Issues with Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing compatibility concerns when attempting to use the Waveshare IMX477 camera module (Raspberry Pi HQ Camera M12) with the Jetson Orin Nano developer board. The main issue revolves around potential power-related modifications that may be required for the camera to function properly with the Jetson Orin Nano, similar to known issues with the Jetson Nano board.

The problem arises during the initial setup and connection of the camera module to the Jetson Orin Nano. Users are unsure if they can use the Raspberry Pi HQ Camera M12 out of the box without any modifications, as is the case with the Jetson Nano board.

Possible Causes

1. Power supply incompatibility: The Jetson Orin Nano may not provide sufficient or compatible power output for the IMX477 camera module, similar to the issue observed with the Jetson Nano board.

2. Driver incompatibility: The default drivers on the Jetson Orin Nano may not fully support the IMX477 camera module without modifications.

3. Hardware differences: The Jetson Orin Nano’s hardware configuration might differ from the Jetson Nano, potentially affecting camera compatibility.

4. Firmware mismatch: The camera module’s firmware may not be optimized for use with the Jetson Orin Nano out of the box.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify camera compatibility:

   • Check the official Jetson Orin Nano documentation for a list of supported camera modules.
   • Contact NVIDIA support to confirm if the IMX477 camera is officially supported.

2. Test with default configuration:

   • Connect the IMX477 camera to the Jetson Orin Nano without any modifications.
   • Attempt to initialize and use the camera using standard commands or applications.
   • If it works without issues, no further action is needed.

3. Power supply modification (if needed):

   • If the camera doesn’t function properly, you may need to modify the power supply.
   • Consult the Jetson Orin Nano documentation for safe ways to adjust power output to the camera connector.
   • Consider using a powered USB hub or external power supply for the camera if supported.

4. Driver updates:

   • Check for any available driver updates for the Jetson Orin Nano that might improve camera compatibility.
   • Install the latest JetPack SDK, which may include updated camera drivers.

5. Custom driver compilation:

   • If official support is lacking, you may need to compile a custom driver for the IMX477 camera.
   • Research existing community efforts for using the IMX477 with Jetson boards.
   • Follow NVIDIA’s guidelines for compiling and installing custom drivers on the Jetson platform.

6. Firmware update:

   • Check if there’s an updated firmware available for the IMX477 camera that improves compatibility with Jetson boards.
   • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for updating the camera’s firmware.

7. Alternative camera options:

   • If modifications prove too complex, consider using the IMX219-120 Camera, which is confirmed to be compatible with Jetson Nano and likely with Orin Nano.
   • Research other camera modules known to work with Jetson Orin Nano without modifications.

8. Community support:

   • Engage with the NVIDIA Developer Forums or Jetson community to see if other users have successfully used the IMX477 with Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Share your experiences and findings to help others facing similar issues.

9. Professional assistance:

   • If all else fails, consider reaching out to NVIDIA’s professional support channels or consulting with a Jetson development expert for tailored assistance.

Note: As the compatibility issue is not fully resolved in the provided discussion, users should approach this with caution and be prepared for potential troubleshooting or the need to choose an alternative camera module if compatibility cannot be achieved.