Understanding Reserved (RSVD) Categories in Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board Pinmux Table

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board have expressed confusion regarding the pinmux table, specifically about the different reserved (RSVD) categories such as rsvd0, rsvd1, and rsvd2. The main concern is understanding the meaning of these categories and the potential effects of changing them. This issue arises during the configuration process of the board, particularly when working with pin multiplexing settings. The lack of clear information about these reserved categories can lead to uncertainty in proper board configuration and potential functionality issues.

Possible Causes

1. Limited Documentation: The official documentation may not provide detailed explanations of the RSVD categories, leading to user confusion.

2. Technical Complexity: The pinmux configuration involves low-level hardware settings that may not be easily understood by all users, especially those new to embedded systems development.

3. Evolving Hardware Design: These reserved categories might be placeholders for future functionality or hardware revisions, which are not currently utilized or documented.

4. Manufacturing Variations: Different RSVD categories could potentially relate to slight variations in hardware manufacturing or testing processes.

5. Firmware Compatibility: The RSVD settings might be tied to specific firmware versions or configurations, which are not explicitly explained in user-facing documentation.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Adhere to Default Settings

   • The most important guideline is to follow the default pinmux settings provided by Nvidia.
   • Do not change RSVD categories (rsvd0, rsvd1, rsvd2) from their default values unless explicitly instructed by official Nvidia documentation or support.

2. Understand the Purpose of Reserved Settings

   • RSVD (Reserved) categories are typically used by manufacturers to reserve certain configurations for internal use, testing, or future features.
   • Changing these settings without proper knowledge can lead to unexpected behavior or malfunction of the board.

3. Consult Official Documentation

   • Review the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide for any specific information about pinmux configuration.
   • Check for any technical bulletins or errata documents that might provide additional insights into these reserved categories.

4. Use Nvidia Developer Forums

   • If you need clarification on specific pinmux settings, post your questions on the official Nvidia Developer Forums.
   • Provide detailed information about your use case and the exact pinmux configuration you’re working with.

5. Firmware and Software Updates

   • Ensure your Jetson Orin Nano is running the latest firmware and JetPack SDK version.
   • Sometimes, updates can include improvements or clarifications on hardware configurations.

6. Hardware Verification

   • If you suspect a hardware-related issue, use the built-in diagnostic tools to verify the integrity of your board.
   • Run the following command in the terminal to perform a basic hardware check:

     sudo /opt/nvidia/jetson-io/jetson-io.py
     

7. Backup Current Configuration

   • Before making any changes to pinmux settings, always backup your current configuration.
   • You can use the following command to save your current pinmux configuration:

     sudo /opt/nvidia/jetson-io/jetson-io.py --export pinmux_backup.csv
     

8. Restore Default Settings

   • If you’ve made changes and encountered issues, restore the default pinmux configuration:

     sudo /opt/nvidia/jetson-io/jetson-io.py --restore
     

9. Seek Professional Support

   • If you’re working on a critical project or facing persistent issues, consider reaching out to Nvidia’s professional support channels.
   • They may provide more detailed information about the RSVD categories specific to your board revision and use case.

Remember, the reserved (RSVD) settings in the pinmux table are not meant to be modified by end-users under normal circumstances. Always prioritize stability and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal performance and reliability of your Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.