Jetson Orin Nano/NX GPIO/WAKE Pin Configuration Issues

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board have reported confusion regarding the functionality of GPIO pins, specifically in relation to their ability to wake the device from a suspended state. The main symptoms include:

• Uncertainty about which GPIO pins can be configured to support the wake function.
• Inconsistency in documentation regarding the wake capability of specific GPIO pins.
• Users are experiencing difficulties in implementing wake functionality in their projects, leading to potential design limitations.

The issue arises during the setup phase, particularly when users are attempting to configure GPIO pins based on the Nvidia Jetson Linux Developer Guide documentation. The relevant hardware is the Jetson Orin Nano/NX, and the software context involves configuring GPIO settings for power management.

The frequency of this issue appears to be moderate, as it is a common point of confusion among users referencing the documentation. The impact on user experience is significant, as it affects the functionality of custom designs that rely on efficient power management and wake capabilities.

Possible Causes

Several potential reasons for this issue have been identified:

• Documentation Ambiguity: The Nvidia documentation may not clearly specify which GPIO pins are capable of waking the device, leading to confusion among users.

• Configuration Errors: Users may not be aware that they need to explicitly configure certain GPIO pins as "Yes" to enable wake functionality.

• Software Bugs: There could be inconsistencies between the hardware capabilities and software recognition of those capabilities.

• User Misunderstanding: Users may misinterpret the information presented in the pinmux spreadsheet, leading to incorrect assumptions about GPIO functionality.

Understanding these causes can help users troubleshoot and resolve their issues effectively.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To assist users in resolving issues related to GPIO wake functionality on the Jetson Orin Nano/NX, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Review Documentation:

   • Refer to the Nvidia Jetson Linux Developer Guide for detailed information on GPIO pin configurations.
   • Pay special attention to the "Wake Pin" column in the pinmux spreadsheet.

2. Identify GPIO Pins:

   • Determine which GPIO pins are marked as "Yes" or "No" for wake capability.
   • Note that some pins may be configurable; ensure you understand their current settings.

3. Configure Pins:

   • For any GPIO pins intended for wake functionality, explicitly set them as "Yes" in your configuration files or scripts before use.
   • Example command (if applicable):

     echo "1" > /sys/class/gpio/gpioXX/wake
     

     Replace XX with the appropriate pin number.

4. Test Wake Functionality:

   • After configuring the pins, test whether they successfully wake the device from a suspended state.
   • Use a simple script or application that triggers suspension and checks for wake events.

5. Check for Software Updates:

   • Ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano/NX is running the latest firmware and software updates. This can resolve potential bugs related to GPIO functionality.
   • Commands for updating:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt upgrade
     

6. Isolate Issues:

   • If problems persist, try testing with different hardware configurations or setups to rule out specific defects or incompatibilities.
   • Consider using a different power supply or environment if power issues are suspected.

7. Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Consult community forums and resources for additional insights or similar experiences from other users.
   • Engage with Nvidia support if further assistance is needed.

8. Best Practices:

   • Always verify GPIO configurations before deployment in customer designs.
   • Document any custom configurations for future reference and troubleshooting.

By following these steps, users should be able to effectively address issues related to GPIO wake functionality on their Jetson Orin Nano/NX boards. If problems remain unresolved, further investigation into specific hardware or software configurations may be necessary.