When CAM0 CSI1 CLK and CSI1 D0/1 N/P are connected using a switch board, do I need to set lane_polarity =6 in dts?

Issue Overview

The issue arises when users connect CAM0 CSI1 CLK and CSI1 D0/1 N/P using a switch board on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. Users are uncertain whether they need to set lane_polarity = 6 in the device tree source (dts) file. This situation typically occurs during the setup phase when configuring camera interfaces, particularly with specific camera modules that may have different lane polarity requirements. The problem’s frequency is not explicitly stated, but it appears to be a common point of confusion among developers working with camera configurations on the Orin Nano platform. The impact of this issue can lead to improper camera initialization, resulting in failure to capture images or video, thus hindering the functionality of applications relying on camera input.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Configuration: Incorrect connections or configurations of the switch board may lead to miscommunication between the camera and the Jetson board.
• Device Tree Settings: If lane_polarity is not set correctly, it can result in improper signal alignment, causing the camera not to function as expected.
• Camera Compatibility: Different camera modules may have varying requirements for lane polarity settings, which could lead to confusion if not documented properly.
• User Misconfiguration: Users may not fully understand how to configure the dts file, leading to incorrect settings that affect performance.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure that CAM0 CSI1 CLK and D0/1 N/P are connected correctly according to the specifications provided by Nvidia.
   • Check for any loose connections or damaged cables.

2. Check Device Tree Configuration:

   • Open the device tree source (dts) file associated with your Jetson Orin Nano setup.
   • Locate the section related to the camera configuration.
   • Set lane_polarity = 6 if you are using a switch board configuration as confirmed by community replies.

3. Testing with Different Configurations:

   • If issues persist, try connecting the camera directly without the switch board to see if it resolves the problem.
   • Experiment with different lane polarity settings (e.g., 0, 1, 2) based on your specific camera model.

4. Gather System Information:

   • Use terminal commands to check for any errors or warnings related to camera initialization:

     dmesg | grep -i camera
     

   • Review logs for any clues regarding connection issues.

5. Refer to Documentation:

   • Consult Nvidia’s official documentation for detailed guidance on configuring cameras with the Orin Nano.
   • Look for updates or community posts regarding similar issues and resolutions.

6. Community Support:

   • Engage with forums such as Nvidia Developer Forums or Reddit threads where similar issues have been discussed.
   • Consider posting your specific configuration and error messages for tailored assistance.

7. Recommended Approach:

   • Based on user feedback in forum discussions, setting lane_polarity = 6 is generally recommended when using a switch board configuration.

8. Best Practices:

   • Always ensure that you are using compatible hardware and firmware versions.
   • Keep your JetPack SDK updated to benefit from bug fixes and improvements.

9. Unresolved Issues:

   • Some users continue to report difficulties even after following these steps; further investigation may be required into specific hardware combinations or software bugs.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to camera connectivity on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board effectively.