Orin Nano IMX335 Camera Connection Issues

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit when connecting two IMX335 cameras via buses J20 and J21. The primary symptom is that the system becomes unresponsive or "stalls" after a short period of operation when bus 9 is utilized, while bus 10 appears to function without issues. This problem arises specifically when using unofficial carrier boards, leading to concerns about compatibility and stability. The issue is noted to occur consistently, impacting the overall functionality and user experience significantly, particularly in applications requiring real-time video processing.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects:

   • Unofficial carrier boards may not meet the necessary specifications for stable operation with the Orin Nano, leading to communication failures with connected cameras.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • There may be unresolved software bugs in the JetPack SDK or driver conflicts that affect camera operation on specific buses.

3. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect configurations in the camera setup or bus assignments can result in improper functioning of the cameras.

4. Driver Issues:

   • Outdated or incompatible drivers may not support the IMX335 cameras adequately, causing stalls during operation.

5. Environmental Factors:

   • Power supply issues or overheating could lead to system instability when multiple peripherals are connected.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations:

   • Users may have misconfigured settings related to camera initialization and bus management, contributing to the observed problems.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnosing the Problem:

   • Check for error messages in the system logs that may indicate what is causing the stall.
   • Use terminal commands like dmesg or journalctl -xe to review kernel messages and system logs for relevant errors.

2. Gathering System Information:

   • Run the following command to check connected devices:

     lsusb
     

   • Verify camera detection and bus assignments using:

     v4l2-ctl --list-devices
     

3. Isolating the Issue:

   • Test each camera individually on both bus 9 and bus 10 to determine if one specific camera is causing the issue.
   • If possible, connect different models of cameras to see if the problem persists.

4. Potential Fixes:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack SDK compatible with your Orin Nano.
   • If using unofficial carrier boards, consider switching to an official Nvidia carrier board known for better compatibility.
   • Adjust camera configurations using jetson-io to ensure proper settings for IMX335 cameras.
   • For driver updates, run:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

5. Best Practices:

   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding JetPack and driver releases.
   • Ensure proper power supply to avoid voltage drops that could cause instability.
   • Follow community forums for any similar issues reported by other users for additional insights.

6. Documentation Links:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation on JetPack SDK for installation and troubleshooting guides.
   • Review Nvidia Developer Forums for user-contributed solutions and discussions.

7. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed into specific hardware combinations and their compatibility with the Orin Nano.
   • Users experiencing consistent issues are encouraged to report their findings back to Nvidia for potential software patches or updates.

This structured approach aims to assist users in diagnosing and resolving issues related to their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit when working with IMX335 cameras.