Issues with Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board 4-Lane MIPI Configuration

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board related to the configuration of a 4-lane MIPI interface. The specific symptoms include:

• When testing with two 2-lane 2.5G MIPI connections, both function correctly. However, when these are combined into a single 4-lane setup, the system can only receive signals at a reduced rate of 2.0G.

• Users have noted that extending the CSI1_D0 and CSI1_D1 traces by approximately 70mm allows the system to operate at the desired 2.5G speed.

The problem occurs during the testing phase of hardware setup, specifically when attempting to achieve higher data rates through the MIPI interface. The hardware involved includes the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board and custom-designed carrier boards for the MIPI connections.

The issue appears to be consistent, as multiple users have reported similar experiences when configuring their boards for 4-lane operation. This problem significantly impacts user experience by limiting data throughput capabilities and complicating hardware design efforts.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The custom carrier board design may not meet the required specifications for trace lengths and skew, leading to signal integrity issues.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration of the MIPI interface settings may result in suboptimal performance or failure to achieve higher data rates.

• Trace Length Skew: There is a clear requirement for controlling trace skew between different lanes in a MIPI interface. If this requirement is not met, it can lead to timing issues that prevent proper signal reception.

• Environmental Factors: External factors such as temperature variations or inadequate power supply could affect signal integrity and performance.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure their hardware or software settings, leading to performance issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board’s 4-lane MIPI configuration, follow these troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Verify Hardware Design:

   • Check the carrier board design against Nvidia’s Design Guide for trace requirements, specifically focusing on trace lengths and skew.
   • Ensure that CSI1_D0/CSI1_D1 traces are appropriately matched in length to CSI0_D0/CSI0_D1 to minimize skew.

2. Measure Trace Lengths:

   • Use an oscilloscope or time-domain reflectometer (TDR) to measure the actual lengths of the traces and ensure they conform to specifications.

3. Adjust Trace Lengths:

   • If discrepancies are found, consider re-routing traces on the carrier board to achieve better matching lengths.
   • If extending traces (as done by some users) improves performance, document this modification for future reference.

4. Check Software Configuration:

   • Ensure that all relevant software settings match Nvidia’s recommendations for MIPI configurations.
   • Review any available documentation regarding software parameters that might influence MIPI lane operation.

5. Test Different Configurations:

   • Experiment with different configurations of MIPI connections (e.g., using only two lanes) to isolate whether the issue is specific to the 4-lane setup.
   • If possible, test with different hardware setups or boards known to work correctly with 4-lane configurations.

6. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates on driver versions or firmware that may address known issues with MIPI configurations.
   • Stay updated on community forums for any shared solutions or patches from other users who have faced similar problems.

7. Monitor Environmental Factors:

   • Ensure that environmental conditions such as temperature and power supply stability are within recommended ranges during testing.

8. Best Practices:

   • When designing carrier boards, adhere strictly to Nvidia’s guidelines regarding trace lengths and signal integrity.
   • Regularly consult community forums and Nvidia support channels for updates on best practices and potential fixes related to hardware configurations.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board’s 4-lane MIPI configuration effectively. Further investigation may be needed if problems persist despite adhering to recommended practices.