Jetson Orin Nano: MIPI CSI RX Configuration Issues

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board related to interfacing a custom imager that supports a 4-lane MIPI CSI TX configuration. Specifically, frames are not being captured through the v4l2-ctl shell scripts, leading to timeouts and no valid data in the debug trace logs. This issue occurs during the setup phase, particularly when trying to configure the device tree for the custom carrier board running Jetson Linux version 35.3.1. The problem appears to be consistent, as users report repeated failures in capturing frames despite multiple attempts. The impact on user experience is significant, as it prevents the successful operation of imaging applications that rely on this configuration.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The custom carrier board may not be fully compatible with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano specifications or the MIPI CSI interface.
• Software Bugs: There could be bugs in the Jetson Linux BSP that affect MIPI CSI configurations.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the device tree could lead to miscommunication between the host and imager.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers may not support the required functionality for MIPI CSI.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect performance and lead to timeouts.
• User Errors: Misconfiguration by users when setting up the device tree or wiring connections could lead to these symptoms.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure that all MIPI CSI signals are correctly wired according to the hardware pinout specifications.
   • Double-check that the imager is properly connected and powered.

2. Check Device Tree Configuration:

   • Reference configurations for similar devices, such as IMX477, to verify if your device tree settings align with functional examples.
   • Use tools like dtc (Device Tree Compiler) to compile and validate your device tree files.

3. Run Debugging Commands:

   • Use v4l2-ctl --list-devices to confirm that the camera is recognized by the system.
   • Enable verbose logging for v4l2 to capture detailed error messages during frame capture attempts.

4. Test with Different Software Versions:

   • If possible, downgrade or upgrade Jetson Linux versions (e.g., from 35.3.1 to a stable release) to see if this resolves compatibility issues.
   • Consider using JetPack 5.x instead of a developer preview version if stability is a concern.

5. Driver Updates:

   • Check for any available updates for drivers related to MIPI CSI and install them.
   • Use sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade to ensure all packages are up-to-date.

6. Isolation Testing:

   • Test with different cameras or imaging setups that are known to work with the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • If available, try using an official Nvidia carrier board to eliminate potential issues with custom hardware.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for guidance on configuring MIPI CSI interfaces.
   • Engage with community forums for insights from other users who may have faced similar issues.

8. Best Practices for Future Configurations:

   • Always back up working configurations before making changes.
   • Document any modifications made during troubleshooting for future reference.

9. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed into specific device tree settings that could be causing conflicts.
   • Users may need additional support from Nvidia if persistent issues arise despite following troubleshooting steps.

By following these steps and leveraging community knowledge, users can better diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to MIPI CSI RX configurations on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards.