USB Device Mode Support for Jetson Orin Nano and Orin NX

Issue Overview

Users were seeking clarification on the USB device mode support for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano and Orin NX development boards. The main concern was whether these boards support USB 3.0 device mode, as previous Jetson Nano models only supported host mode for USB 3.0. This uncertainty arose from a lack of clear documentation in the initial product guides, leading to confusion among developers and users working with these boards.

Possible Causes

1. Lack of clear documentation: The initial product documentation may not have explicitly stated the USB device mode capabilities, leading to confusion.

2. Comparison with previous models: Users familiar with the limitations of older Jetson Nano models may have assumed similar restrictions applied to the newer Orin series.

3. Misinterpretation of technical specifications: The complex nature of USB specifications and modes could have led to misunderstandings about the boards’ capabilities.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Confirm USB device mode support:

   • Both Jetson Orin Nano and Orin NX support USB device mode.
   • All USB 3.2 ports on these boards can operate in device mode.

2. Understand port limitations:

   • While all ports support device mode, only one port can be used in device mode at a time.

3. Verify USB speed in device mode:

   • According to the Jetson Orin NX Series and Orin Nano Series Design Guide, all three USB 3.2 ports support device mode with Gen1 speed (5Gbps).

4. Access official documentation:

   • For detailed specifications, refer to the Jetson Orin NX Series and Orin Nano Series Design Guide (DG-10931-001_v1.0.pdf).
   • This document provides comprehensive information on USB port capabilities in Tables 7-1 and 7-5.

5. Configure USB device mode:

   • To use a port in device mode, you may need to configure it in software.
   • Consult the Jetson documentation or NVIDIA developer forums for specific instructions on enabling and configuring USB device mode.

6. Testing USB device mode:

   • Connect your Jetson Orin Nano or NX to a host computer using a USB cable.
   • Verify that the board is recognized as a USB device by the host computer.
   • Test data transfer speeds to ensure they match the expected Gen1 speed (5Gbps).

7. Troubleshooting connectivity issues:

   • If the board is not recognized in device mode, try using different USB cables or ports.
   • Ensure you’re using a cable that supports USB 3.2 Gen1 speeds for optimal performance.
   • Check for any system messages or logs that might indicate issues with USB device mode initialization.

8. Stay updated:

   • Regularly check the NVIDIA Jetson forum and documentation for any updates or changes regarding USB device mode support.
   • Ensure you’re running the latest firmware and software for your Jetson Orin Nano or NX board.

By following these steps and referring to the official documentation, users can effectively utilize the USB device mode capabilities of their Jetson Orin Nano and Orin NX boards. This functionality opens up new possibilities for device-to-host communication and data transfer in various applications.