Orin Nano PWM Hardware Synchronization

Issue Overview

Users are inquiring about the capability of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board to achieve hardware synchronization between independent Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) pins. The main symptoms reported include:

• Lack of Synchronization: Users express concerns that there is no hardware support for synchronizing two independent PWM pins, leading to challenges in achieving precise timing, frequency, and edge alignment.
• Context of the Issue: The issue arises during attempts to utilize multiple PWM outputs for applications requiring tight timing specifications. This is particularly relevant in robotics or automation projects where coordinated control signals are crucial.
• Hardware Specifications: The discussion centers around the Orin Nano Dev board, but specific details regarding the PWM pin configurations or capabilities are not provided.
• Frequency of the Issue: This appears to be a consistent limitation, as multiple users confirm the absence of shared edge and frequency capabilities for PWM pins.
• Impact on User Experience: The inability to synchronize PWM outputs can significantly hinder project functionality, leading to unreliable performance in applications that depend on precise timing.

Possible Causes

The primary cause of the issue appears to be:

• Hardware Limitations: The Orin Nano does not support hardware synchronization between independent PWM pins. This inherent limitation means that users cannot achieve aligned edges or frequencies across different PWM outputs.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

While there are no direct solutions to enable synchronization due to hardware constraints, users can consider the following approaches:

• Verify PWM Configuration: Ensure that the PWM pins are correctly configured. Use the following command to check current configurations:

  # Example command for checking PWM settings
  cat /sys/class/pwm/pwmchip*/pwm*/period
  

• Alternative Synchronization Methods: If hardware synchronization is not possible, consider software-based timing solutions. Implement a control loop that manages the timing of PWM signals within your application code.

• Testing with Different Applications: Isolate the issue by testing with simpler applications or using a single PWM output to confirm that other factors (e.g., code logic) are not contributing to timing issues.

• Community Feedback: Engage with community forums or user groups focused on Nvidia Jetson products. Other developers may have encountered similar issues and could offer insights or alternative methods.

• Documentation Review: Regularly check Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates regarding PWM capabilities or firmware upgrades that may enhance functionality.

• Best Practices: To prevent future issues related to timing and synchronization:

  • Design applications with an understanding of hardware limitations.
  • Consider using external hardware solutions (e.g., dedicated PWM controllers) if precise synchronization is critical for your project.

Unresolved Aspects

The discussion indicates a clear limitation regarding hardware capabilities but does not explore potential software workarounds in depth. Further investigation into software-based solutions or alternative hardware configurations may be necessary for users requiring synchronized PWM outputs.