Jetson Orin Nano Compatibility Issue with IMX477 Camera Sensor

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a critical compatibility issue between the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano and the Arducam IMX477 camera sensor. The primary symptom is that the Orin Nano fails to power on when the IMX477 camera is connected. Specifically:

• The power LED briefly illuminates for a split second before turning off completely.
• The board enters a state of zero power draw.
• The issue occurs consistently when the camera is attached.
• Normal operation resumes when the camera or its cable is disconnected.
• This problem is specific to the Orin Nano, as the same camera reportedly worked without issues on the previous Jetson Nano model.
• The system is running Jetpack 5.1.1.

Possible Causes

1. Lack of official driver support: The IMX477 sensor is not listed as a supported camera for the Jetson Orin Nano platform, which may lead to incompatibility issues.

2. Power delivery problem: The symptoms suggest a potential issue with power delivery or management when the camera is connected, possibly due to unexpected power draw or a short circuit.

3. Firmware mismatch: The Jetpack 5.1.1 image may not include the necessary firmware or drivers to properly initialize and manage the IMX477 sensor on the Orin Nano hardware.

4. Hardware incompatibility: There might be a fundamental hardware incompatibility between the Orin Nano’s camera interface and the IMX477 sensor, despite their compatibility with previous Jetson models.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify camera compatibility:

   • Check the official Nvidia documentation for the latest list of supported cameras for the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Confirm with Arducam if they have released an updated driver or firmware specifically for the Orin Nano platform.

2. Update Jetpack:

   • Check for any available updates to Jetpack beyond version 5.1.1, as newer versions might include improved camera support.
   • To update Jetpack, use the SDK Manager tool provided by Nvidia.

3. Test with alternative cameras:

   • If possible, test the Orin Nano with a known supported camera to isolate whether the issue is specific to the IMX477 or a more general camera interface problem.

4. Inspect physical connections:

   • Carefully examine the camera connector and the corresponding port on the Orin Nano for any signs of damage or misalignment.
   • Try using a different CSI cable to rule out cable-related issues.

5. Monitor power consumption:

   • Use a multimeter or specialized power monitoring equipment to measure the power draw when attempting to connect the camera.
   • This can help identify if there’s an unexpected power surge or short circuit occurring.

6. Check for firmware updates:

   • Look for any available firmware updates for both the Orin Nano and the IMX477 camera module.
   • Apply any relevant updates following the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Consult Arducam support:

   • Reach out to Arducam’s technical support for guidance on using their IMX477 camera with the Orin Nano.
   • Ask if they have any beta drivers or upcoming releases that address this compatibility issue.

8. Temporary workaround:

   • If possible, consider using the previous Jetson Nano model for applications requiring the IMX477 sensor until a solution is available for the Orin Nano.

9. Wait for official support:

   • As indicated in the forum reply, Arducam has not yet released an IMX477 camera driver for the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Keep an eye on Arducam’s official channels and the Nvidia developer forums for announcements regarding driver availability.

10. Community resources:

    • Monitor the Nvidia developer forums and Jetson community channels for any user-developed workarounds or unofficial drivers that might enable the use of the IMX477 with the Orin Nano.

It is worth highlighting that as of the last forum update, there was no official solution available. Users are advised to wait for Arducam to release an official driver for the IMX477 camera compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano platform. In the meantime, consider using alternative supported camera models or exploring other Jetson platforms that are known to work with the IMX477 sensor.