Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit: 4K 60Hz Display Support Limitation

Issue Overview

The Jetson Orin Nano developer kit faces limitations in supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rate. Users are experiencing confusion and disappointment regarding the display capabilities of this embedded system. The issue arises when attempting to connect the developer kit to a 4K monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a common requirement for high-quality visual applications.

Key points of the issue include:

• The developer kit’s user guide mentions DP1.2 support, which typically supports 4K@60Hz
• Conflicting information in forum posts about future JetPack releases potentially introducing 4K@60Hz support
• Uncertainty about using active DP to HDMI converters as a workaround
• The limitation affects users seeking high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display output for their projects

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Limitation: The Orin Nano module itself has a hardware constraint that prevents 4K@60Hz output.

2. Misinterpretation of Specifications: The presence of DP1.2 support in the user guide may have led to assumptions about 4K@60Hz capability, despite this not being explicitly stated.

3. Software Limitations: While not the primary cause, there could be software-related restrictions in the current JetPack version that don’t fully utilize the hardware’s potential.

4. Carrier Board Design: Initially considered as a potential cause, it was clarified that the limitation is not due to the carrier board.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Confirm Hardware Limitations:

   • Understand that the Jetson Orin Nano developer kit does not support 4K@60Hz output due to hardware limitations of the Orin Nano module itself.
   • This limitation cannot be overcome with software updates or external converters.

2. Explore Alternative Resolutions:

   • Determine the maximum supported resolution and refresh rate for your specific use case.
   • Consider using lower resolutions or refresh rates that are within the capabilities of the Orin Nano.

3. Consider Alternative Developer Kits:

   • For projects requiring 4K@60Hz output, consider using the Jetson TX2 developer kit.
   • The TX2 supports:
     • Two multi-mode eDP 1.4 | DP 1.2a | HDMI 2.0a/b | 1 x2 DSI (1.5Gbps/lane)
     • Maximum Resolution (eDP/DP/HDMI): up to 3840×2160 at 60 Hz (up to 36 bpp)

4. Evaluate Project Requirements:

   • Assess whether 4K@60Hz is crucial for your specific application.
   • If possible, design your application to work with the supported resolutions and refresh rates of the Orin Nano.

5. Stay Informed About Future Releases:

   • Monitor NVIDIA’s official channels for any future hardware revisions or new developer kits that might support 4K@60Hz.
   • Keep an eye on JetPack release notes for any potential software improvements, although these are unlikely to overcome the hardware limitation.

6. Optimize Performance Within Limitations:

   • If using the Orin Nano, focus on optimizing your application’s performance at the highest supported resolution and refresh rate.
   • Explore techniques to enhance visual quality without relying on 4K resolution, such as improved rendering techniques or post-processing effects.

7. Consult NVIDIA Developer Support:

   • For the most up-to-date and accurate information, consider reaching out to NVIDIA’s developer support channels.
   • They may provide additional insights or recommendations specific to your use case.

By understanding these limitations and exploring the provided alternatives, developers can make informed decisions about which Jetson developer kit best suits their project requirements, especially when high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display output is a critical factor.