Jetson Orin Nano: Issues with DRM Components and DisplayPort Functionality

Issue Overview

Users are encountering issues related to the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) components on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, specifically when trying to utilize the DisplayPort (DP) interface. The symptoms include a lack of information regarding DRM when using commands like modetest and drm_info.

• Symptoms:

  • Running modetest yields no information about DRM components.
  • The command drm_info also fails to provide expected output.
  • When the DP interface is connected before booting, users only see kernel logs, and the display does not function correctly upon entering the desktop environment.

• Context: The issue arises during attempts to diagnose a DisplayPort driver problem while adapting kernel version 6.6 for the Jetson platform. Users are trying to determine whether the issue lies with the DRM driver or X11 configuration.

• Hardware/Software Specifications:

  • Device: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano
  • Kernel Version: Attempting to adapt kernel version 6.6, with successful operation noted on kernel version 5.15.

• Frequency: This issue seems to be consistent for users working with the DP interface on the Jetson Orin Nano.

• Impact on User Experience: The inability to properly utilize the DisplayPort can severely limit functionality, particularly for applications requiring video output, which can hinder development and testing processes.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the issues with DRM components and DisplayPort functionality:

• Missing or Incomplete DRM Support: The Jetson Orin Nano may have different implementations of DRM that do not fully support standard features expected by users.

• Kernel Driver Issues: There may be bugs or limitations in the current kernel drivers that prevent proper initialization or communication with connected displays.

• X11 Configuration Problems: Issues with X11 settings could lead to improper handling of display outputs when connecting devices before booting.

• Hardware Limitations: There could be inherent limitations in how the Jetson Orin Nano handles connections through its DP interface, particularly in pre-boot scenarios.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address issues related to DRM components and DisplayPort functionality on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Kernel Version Compatibility:

   • Ensure you are using a compatible kernel version. For testing purposes, consider reverting to a known stable version (e.g., kernel 5.15) if issues persist with newer versions.

2. Check for Installed Packages:

   • Ensure that all necessary packages related to graphics and display management are installed:

     sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
     

3. Test with Default Configuration:

   • If you have made changes to your configuration files, revert them to default settings and test again. This can help isolate whether custom configurations are causing issues.

4. Monitor System Logs:

   • Check system logs for any errors related to display or DRM when connecting the DP interface:

     dmesg | grep drm
     

5. Use Debugging Tools:

   • Utilize tools such as modetest and drm_info again after making changes to check if any output is generated regarding DRM components.
   • Example command:

     modetest
     

6. Connect DP After Booting:

   • As a temporary workaround, connect the DisplayPort after booting up the system to see if it initializes correctly without errors.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s documentation for guidance on setting up and troubleshooting display outputs on Jetson devices.
   • Engage with community forums for insights from other developers who may have faced similar issues.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Users may still need further clarification regarding specific configurations required for successful operation of DRM components and DisplayPort functionality.
   • Additional investigation into potential updates or patches that could improve support for DisplayPort on Jetson Orin Nano may be necessary.

By following these steps, users should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve issues related to DRM components and DisplayPort functionality on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices.