Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit MIPI CSI-2 Pinout Confusion

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit have reported confusion regarding the pinout of the 2×22-pin Camera Inputs (specifically J20 and J21) on the Carrier Board (SP-11324-001_v1.1). The symptoms include:

• Inability to identify correct pin assignments: Users are struggling to match the pinout of the Jetson Orin Nano with that of the Raspberry Pi 5, as the pin numbers appear to be reversed.

• Context of occurrence: This issue arises during attempts to connect Raspberry Pi cameras to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, leading to uncertainty about compatibility and wiring.

• Hardware specifications: The issue pertains specifically to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit and its Carrier Board, as well as the Raspberry Pi camera modules.

• Frequency of occurrence: This confusion seems common among users attempting to integrate Raspberry Pi cameras with the Jetson platform.

• User experience impact: The mismatch in pinout can lead to improper connections, potentially damaging components or resulting in non-functional setups.

The discussion highlights a lack of clear documentation regarding pin numbering conventions between different platforms, which exacerbates the issue.

Possible Causes

Several potential reasons for this confusion have been identified:

• Hardware incompatibilities: The physical pin assignments between the Jetson Orin Nano and Raspberry Pi are numerically reversed, which can lead to incorrect connections.

• Documentation discrepancies: Users may be relying on outdated or unclear documentation that does not adequately explain the differences in pin numbering between devices.

• User errors or misconfigurations: Misinterpretation of pin numbering schemes can lead users to incorrectly wire their connections.

• Schematic differences: Variations in schematics between different models (e.g., Jetson vs. Raspberry Pi) can cause confusion regarding power and ground assignments.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issues surrounding the MIPI CSI-2 pinout, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Review Documentation:

   • Refer to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Carrier Board documentation, specifically pages 18-20 for J20 and J21 camera pinouts.
   • Consult the P3768_A04 schematic for detailed pin assignments.

2. Verify Pin Assignments:

   • Cross-reference the Jetson Orin Nano pinout with that of the Raspberry Pi using their respective schematics.
   • Note that while Pin 1 on the Jetson is Ground, it differs from Raspberry Pi configurations where Ground may not be Pin 1.

3. Check Cable Orientation:

   • Ensure that the cable used for connecting cameras is oriented correctly. The leftmost conductor should correspond to Ground for both devices.
   • Users have noted discrepancies in how cables are numbered; ensure clarity on which numbering scheme is being used (Raspberry Pi vs. Nvidia).

4. Testing Compatibility:

   • If using a Raspberry Pi camera with the Jetson Orin Nano, confirm whether an adapter or special cable is required.
   • Conduct tests with different camera modules if available, ensuring proper connections based on verified pinouts.

5. Use Community Resources:

   • Engage with community forums or user groups for additional insights or shared experiences regarding camera integrations.
   • Look for any user-shared diagrams or modifications that clarify wiring issues.

6. Document Findings:

   • Keep a record of successful configurations and share them within community forums to assist others facing similar issues.

7. Firmware and Driver Updates:

   • Ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano is running the latest firmware and drivers, as updates may include fixes or improvements related to hardware compatibility.

8. Best Practices for Future Connections:

   • Always double-check pin assignments before making connections.
   • Document any custom wiring solutions for future reference.

By following these steps, users should be able to resolve issues related to MIPI CSI-2 pinout confusion and successfully integrate their Raspberry Pi cameras with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.