No device getting detected I2C – Jetson Orin Nano Devkit

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit where I2C devices are not being detected. The primary symptom is the inability to see any devices on the I2C bus when executing the command i2cdetect -y -r 1. The output consistently shows no devices detected, with the displayed bus indicating empty addresses.

This problem typically occurs during attempts to communicate with sensors and Arduino boards via I2C, specifically when using pins 3 (SDA) and 5 (SCL) of the Jetson board. Users have noted that even when connecting other known working devices to the same bus, they still do not appear in the detection output.

The issue seems to manifest consistently, leading to frustration as it hampers development and testing efforts. This can significantly impact user experience, particularly for those relying on I2C communication for sensor integration or other peripheral interactions.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: There may be issues with the physical connections or compatibility between the Jetson Orin Nano and the connected devices (e.g., sensors or Arduino boards). Poorly connected wires or defective components could lead to communication failures.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The underlying software stack may contain bugs or conflicts that prevent proper I2C communication. This could include issues within the Linux kernel or specific libraries used for I2C operations.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the device tree or I2C settings may lead to devices not being recognized. Users might overlook necessary configurations needed for proper operation.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or missing drivers can cause communication problems. Ensuring that all relevant drivers are installed and updated is crucial for functionality.

• Environmental Factors: Conditions such as insufficient power supply or excessive temperature can affect device performance and communication reliability.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users might misconfigure their setup, such as incorrect pin connections or wrong command usage, leading to detection failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Physical Connections:

   • Ensure that SDA (pin 3) and SCL (pin 5) are correctly connected to the corresponding pins on the I2C device.
   • Inspect wiring for any damage or loose connections.

2. Verify Power Supply:

   • Confirm that all devices are adequately powered and that there are no power supply issues affecting device operation.

3. Run Diagnostic Commands:

   • Use the command i2cdetect -y -r 1 again after checking connections.
   • If necessary, try i2cdetect -y -r 0 to check other I2C buses.

4. Use Alternative Commands:

   • Some users found success using the i2ctransfer command as an alternative method to communicate with I2C devices. This command allows for more direct control over data transfer on the bus.
   • Example usage:

     i2ctransfer -y 1 w 0x50 0x00
     

5. Update Software and Drivers:

   • Ensure that your Jetson Orin Nano is running the latest version of JetPack SDK, which includes necessary drivers.
   • Check for any updates related to I2C drivers specifically.

6. Inspect Kernel Logs:

   • Use dmesg | grep i2c to check for any kernel messages related to I2C that might indicate errors during initialization or communication.

7. Test with Known Good Devices:

   • If possible, connect a different known good I2C device to rule out hardware issues with your current sensors.

8. Review Configuration Files:

   • Check device tree configurations to ensure that I2C is properly enabled in your system setup.
   • Look into /boot/dtbs/ for specific configuration related to your board.

9. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any additional setup instructions specific to I2C on the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.

10. Community Support:

    • If issues persist, consider reaching out on forums or community support channels for further assistance from other users who may have encountered similar problems.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues with I2C device detection on their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.