Jetson Orin Nano: Camera Pixel Size and Frame Rate Support Issues

Issue Overview

Users on the forum have raised concerns regarding the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano‘s capability to support specific camera pixel sizes and frame rates. The primary symptom reported is uncertainty about whether the board can handle a pixel size of 48×1 to achieve data transfer rates of approximately 19,000,000 FPS. The context of this issue arises during attempts to connect high-frame-rate cameras, particularly when calculating maximum frame rates supported by the board’s Image Signal Processor (ISP).

The ISP is theoretically capable of supporting up to 1.75G PPS, which translates to an approximate maximum of 36,000,000 FPS for the specified pixel size. However, users express doubt about whether the software drivers can effectively utilize this theoretical limit. This issue appears to be consistent among users attempting similar configurations, impacting their ability to utilize high-speed camera functionalities effectively.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Limitations: The Jetson Orin Nano may not physically support the desired pixel size and frame rate due to its architecture or limitations in the ISP.
2. Software Driver Conflicts: The drivers associated with the camera may not be optimized to handle high frame rates, leading to discrepancies between theoretical and actual performance.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the camera configuration or Jetson settings could prevent optimal performance.
4. Environmental Factors: External conditions such as power supply quality or temperature may affect performance.
5. User Misconfigurations: Users may not be correctly setting up their systems or cameras, leading to underperformance.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step 1: Verify Hardware Compatibility

• Ensure that the camera being used is compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano.
• Check if the camera supports a pixel size of 48×1 and whether it can achieve high frame rates.

Step 2: Update Software Drivers

• Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack that includes optimized drivers for your hardware.
• Use the following command to update:

  sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
  

Step 3: Configure Camera Settings

• Use jetson-io to configure the CSI interface properly for your camera model.
• Confirm that settings are aligned with specifications for maximum performance.

Step 4: Test with Different Configurations

• Try connecting different camera models (e.g., IMX219 vs. IMX477) to see if performance varies.
• Isolate components by testing with different cables or connections.

Step 5: Monitor Performance Metrics

• Use tools like nvidia-smi or custom scripts to monitor frame rates and data throughput during operation.
• Check logs for any errors related to driver issues or hardware communication.

Step 6: Seek Community Support

• If issues persist, consider sharing detailed logs from your setup on forums for community assistance.
• Utilize EXPORT LOGS from SDK Manager if you encounter flashing issues.

Recommended Approach

Users have reported success with configuring their systems using JetPack 5.x rather than newer developer preview versions like JetPack 6.x. It is advisable to stick with stable releases for critical applications.

Best Practices

• Always ensure that your environment is stable (proper power supply, cooling).
• Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding driver and software improvements.
• Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions.

This document serves as a guide for users facing issues related to camera support on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, providing structured troubleshooting steps and solutions based on community feedback and technical insights.