Supported Bitrate of USB-C Port on Jetson Orin Nano “Developer Kit”

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing uncertainty regarding the supported bitrates of the USB-C port on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit in both device and host modes. The primary symptoms include:

• Inability to find definitive information in official documentation regarding the USB-C port’s capabilities.
• Questions about the performance implications when streaming video signals from connected cameras to a PC.

The context of the problem arises during setup and configuration, particularly when attempting to connect multiple USB devices and assess their performance.

Relevant specifications indicate that:

• In host mode, the USB-C port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 with a maximum bitrate of 10 Gbps.
• In device mode, it supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 with a maximum bitrate of 5 Gbps.

The issue appears to be consistent across various users, impacting their ability to estimate streaming performance effectively. This uncertainty can hinder users’ experience, especially those relying on high-speed data transfer for applications like video streaming.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue can be identified:

• Documentation Gaps: Lack of clear information in official documentation may lead users to misinterpret capabilities.

• Hardware Limitations: The performance may decrease when multiple USB 3 devices are connected simultaneously due to bandwidth sharing.

• Configuration Errors: Users may not be aware of how to properly configure the USB-C port for optimal performance in different modes.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers could affect the performance and recognition of connected devices.

Understanding these causes can help users better diagnose and resolve their issues related to USB-C connectivity on the Jetson Orin Nano.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the concerns regarding the USB-C port’s supported bitrates, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Mode Configuration:

   • Check if the Jetson Orin Nano is set to host or device mode. This can typically be done through system settings or terminal commands.

2. Gather System Information:

   • Use the following command in the terminal to list connected USB devices and their modes:

     lsusb -t
     

3. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to the Jetson Technical Reference Manual and module data sheet available at the NVIDIA Developer site for detailed specifications.

4. Test Connectivity:

   • Connect a single USB device first and test its performance.
   • Gradually add more devices while monitoring performance to identify any drops in bitrate.

5. Update Drivers:

   • Ensure that all drivers are up-to-date by checking for updates through the NVIDIA Jetson Download Center.

6. Use Quality Cables:

   • Ensure that high-quality USB-C cables are used, as poor-quality cables can affect data transfer rates.

7. Monitor Performance:

   • Utilize tools like iperf or similar network testing utilities to benchmark data transfer rates between devices.

8. Consider Power Supply:

   • Make sure that your power supply is adequate for running multiple devices, as insufficient power can lead to performance degradation.

9. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Keep documentation handy for reference.
   • Regularly check for firmware updates that may enhance device performance.
   • Isolate issues by testing with different configurations before concluding on hardware limitations.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot and optimize their use of the USB-C port on the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, ensuring they achieve the best possible performance for their applications.