Orin Nano HDMI 2.0 Compliance Test Problem

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a significant issue with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano during the HDMI 2.0 compliance test, specifically at the E-DDC Electrical test (Test ID HF1-54, HF1-55). The primary symptom reported is a lack of output during the test, where users expect to see bus low-level voltage and timing outputs such as setup and hold times. Instead, the test appears to be stuck in a processing state without any results after prolonged waiting periods (over 10 minutes), while normal tests typically yield results within 30 seconds to 1 minute.

This issue has been reported under various configurations, including:

• Orin Nano 8GB + Xavier Devkit carrier: No output.
• Orin Nano + Orin Devkit carrier: Low-level DDC and timing failures.
• Xavier NX + Orin Devkit carrier: Low-level DDC OK but timing failures.
• Xavier NX + Xavier NX Devkit carrier: Low-level DDC and timing failures.

The problem significantly impacts user experience as it prevents successful compliance testing, which is critical for ensuring device compatibility and performance standards.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The design differences between the Orin and Xavier devkits may lead to inconsistent performance in HDMI compliance tests.
2. Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues may arise from the software version being used or from misconfigurations in the flashing process.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the device tree or pinmux configurations related to HDMI output could prevent proper signal transmission.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could lead to failures in recognizing or processing HDMI signals correctly.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or temperature variations could affect device performance during testing.
6. User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper setup of hardware connections or testing procedures could contribute to the lack of results.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the HDMI compliance test issue on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these detailed troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure all connections between the Orin Nano and the carrier board are secure and correctly configured.
   • Confirm that level shifters are used on DDC/HPD lines, as noted in the Orin Design Guide.

2. Check Signal Waveforms:

   • Use an oscilloscope to probe the DDC lines and verify that correct signal waveforms are being transmitted.
   • Share I2C waveform data between different configurations for comparative analysis.

3. Review Device Tree Configuration:

   • Inspect the device tree binary (DTB) files for proper configuration related to HDMI output.
   • Specifically check for hotplug GPIO settings to ensure they are enabled and functioning correctly.

4. Update Software and Drivers:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of JetPack SDK that supports your hardware configuration.
   • Execute a complete flash of your board using:

     sudo BOARDID=3767 BOARDSKU=0003 ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p “-c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml” --showlogs --network usb0 p3509-a02+p3767-0000 internal
     

5. Isolate Testing Conditions:

   • Test with different HDMI cables and adapters to rule out faulty hardware.
   • Attempt compliance tests on different carrier boards if available.

6. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s Tuning and Compliance Guide for detailed instructions on HDMI tuning.

7. Monitor Power Supply Stability:

   • Ensure that your power supply meets the requirements specified in the Jetson Orin Nano documentation.
   • Check for any overcurrent messages during operation, as these may indicate power issues affecting performance.

8. Seek Community Support:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider posting detailed findings on NVIDIA forums or reaching out directly to NVIDIA support for further assistance.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to HDMI compliance testing on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano boards.