Jetson Orin Nano can’t load IMX219 device through 15-22 ribbon cable

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties in getting the IMX219 camera module to function when connected to the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit via a 15-22 pin ribbon cable. The primary symptoms include:

• The Jetson Orin Nano fails to detect the camera, resulting in no output when running diagnostic commands.
• Users reported receiving errors when executing the command dmesg | grep imx219, indicating issues with device communication.

The context of the issue arises during setup, specifically when attempting to connect the Raspberry Pi Camera Module 2 (IMX219) to the CAM1 CSI connector using a Raspberry Pi Camera Cable and a 22-15 pin converter. The setup includes:

• Hardware: Jetson Orin Nano DevKit, Raspberry Pi Camera Module 2 (IMX219), and a 200mm RPi ribbon cable.

• Software: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and JetPack version 5.1.1.

The problem appears consistently across different attempts and configurations, significantly impacting the user experience as it prevents the use of the camera for various applications.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes have been identified that could lead to the observed problem:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the cable or connectors may prevent proper communication between the camera and the Dev Kit.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Incompatibilities between JetPack versions or bugs in the software could hinder device detection.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect device tree configurations or settings might lead to failures in recognizing connected hardware.

• Driver Issues: Problems with drivers related to I2C communication may prevent successful interaction with the IMX219 camera.

• Environmental Factors: Insufficient power supply or incorrect voltage levels could affect device operation.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper connections or settings during setup may lead to detection failures.

Each of these causes could contribute to the inability of the Jetson Orin Nano to load and recognize the IMX219 camera module.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve this issue, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Physical Connections:

   • Ensure that all connections are secure and correctly oriented.
   • Test with different known working cables if available.

2. Run Diagnostic Commands:

   • Execute dmesg | grep imx219 to check for any relevant error messages regarding device detection.
   • Review logs for warnings related to I2C communication, particularly those referencing i2c_bus_bridge.

3. Inspect Device Tree Configuration:

   • Use the command dtc -I dtb -O dts tegra234-p3737-overlay.dtbo to inspect device tree overlays for errors.
   • Look for warnings about address and size cells in I2C bus definitions.

4. Reflash Jetson OS:

   • Attempt reflashing with different versions of JetPack (5.1.1, 5.1.2, and 5.1.3) to rule out software-related issues.
   • Check flashing logs for any anomalies that may indicate problems during installation.

5. Test on Another Dev Kit:

   • If possible, connect the IMX219 camera module to another Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit to determine if the issue is hardware-specific.

6. Check Power and Reset Signals:

   • Use an oscilloscope probe (if available) to check power, clock, and reset pins for proper signal levels.
   • If an oscilloscope is unavailable, consider using a multimeter to measure voltage levels at relevant points.

7. Review Driver Compatibility:

   • Ensure that all drivers are up-to-date and compatible with both the Jetson Orin Nano and IMX219 camera module.
   • Consult NVIDIA’s documentation for any specific driver requirements related to I2C devices.

8. Seek Community Support:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider posting detailed findings on forums such as NVIDIA Developer Forums for additional insights from other users or experts.

Recommended Approach

Multiple users have had success by checking physical connections thoroughly and testing with different cables before considering software-related fixes. This step is crucial as many connection issues can often be resolved simply by ensuring proper hardware setup.

Unresolved Aspects

While many potential solutions have been discussed, there remain uncertainties regarding specific hardware compatibility issues or deeper software bugs that may require further investigation by NVIDIA support or community members with specialized knowledge in embedded systems and device tree configurations.