IMX708 Driver Issues on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties with the IMX708 driver for the Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano. The primary symptoms include:

• Driver Failure: Users report that the driver fails to start, resulting in errors during setup.
• Error Messages: Specific kernel log messages indicate issues such as "error during i2c read probe (-121)" and "board setup failed" when attempting to initialize the camera.
• Context: The problem occurs during the installation and configuration of the IMX708 driver on Jetpack 5.1.1 (L4T 35.3.1) while using the standard Orin Nano Developer Kit.
• Hardware Specifications: Affected users have reported using an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano with 4GB RAM and running Ubuntu 20.04 with a Linux kernel version of 5.10.104-tegra.
• Frequency: The issue appears to be consistent across multiple attempts to initialize the driver.
• Impact: This problem significantly affects users’ ability to utilize the camera module, hindering development and testing processes.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Issues:
  • Connection Problems: Improperly seated connectors or damaged cables may lead to communication failures.
  • Camera Defects: The camera module itself could be defective or incompatible with the board.
• Software Bugs:
  • Driver Incompatibility: The IMX708 driver may have bugs or compatibility issues with the current version of Jetpack or the kernel.
• Configuration Errors:
  • Incorrect settings during driver installation or in system configurations could prevent proper initialization.
• Driver Issues:
  • Outdated or improperly configured drivers could lead to failure in recognizing or communicating with the camera module.
• Environmental Factors:
  • Power supply issues or temperature extremes could affect hardware performance.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To diagnose and potentially resolve the issue, follow these steps:

1. Verify Connections:

   • Ensure that all physical connections between the camera and the Orin Nano are secure and properly seated. Check for any visible damage to connectors or cables.

2. Test I2C Communication:

   • Use I2C tools to check if the camera is recognized by running:

     i2ctransfer -y -f 9 w2@0x1a 0x00 0x00 r1
     

   • If this command results in a "Remote I/O error," it indicates a communication failure.

3. Use Clean JetPack Installation:

   • Reinstall JetPack without any additional patches or modifications. This can help isolate whether custom changes are causing issues.

4. Check Kernel Logs:

   • Review kernel logs for additional error messages that may provide more context about the failure:

     dmesg | grep imx708
     

5. Test on Different Hardware/Software Configurations:

   • If possible, test the IMX708 driver on another Jetson device or with a different camera module to determine if the issue is specific to your hardware.

6. Update Drivers/Firmware:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of the IMX708 driver from RidgeRun and check for any firmware updates for both the camera and Jetson board.

7. Contact Support:

   • If issues persist, reach out to RidgeRun support for further assistance, especially if you require additional features or resolutions from the camera module.

8. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Regularly check for updates from both NVIDIA and RidgeRun regarding drivers and compatibility notes.
   • Maintain proper documentation of your setup process to identify any changes that may lead to future issues.

9. Document Unresolved Issues:

   • Note any persistent errors or unresolved aspects of your setup that may require further investigation, such as repeated communication failures despite following troubleshooting steps.

By following these steps, users can systematically address issues related to the IMX708 driver on their NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, enhancing their development experience.