Where can I find the number of the pin?

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing confusion regarding the GPIO pin numbering on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. Unlike the Raspberry Pi, which clearly displays GPIO numbers, users have reported difficulty identifying all pin numbers on the Jetson Orin Nano. The main symptoms include:

• Inability to locate GPIO pin numbers beyond a few specified ones (e.g., GPIO09, GPIO12, GPIO01, GPIO11, GPIO07, and GPIO13).
• Users specifically want to utilize the Jetson Orin Nano for projects that typically use Raspberry Pi, such as controlling motors.

This issue primarily occurs during setup when users attempt to configure their boards for specific applications, like motor control. The context suggests that users are familiar with Raspberry Pi’s GPIO configuration but find the transition to Jetson Orin Nano challenging.

The impact of this issue is significant as it hinders users from effectively utilizing their hardware for projects, which may lead to frustration and limited functionality.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Users may not be aware that many pins on the 40-pin header can be configured as GPIO through pinmux settings.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be discrepancies in documentation or software libraries that do not clearly explain how to access and configure GPIO pins on the Jetson Orin Nano.

• Configuration Errors: Users might not be familiar with the necessary configurations required to enable additional GPIO pins.

• Driver Issues: If drivers are not properly installed or updated, it could lead to issues in accessing GPIO functionalities.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users transitioning from Raspberry Pi may be misapplying their previous knowledge without understanding Jetson-specific requirements.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Identify Available Pins:

   • Check the official documentation for the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Carrier Board Specification to understand which pins are available for use as GPIO.

2. Modify Pinmux Settings:

   • Use pinmux settings to configure additional pins as GPIO. This may involve using specific commands or scripts provided in the Jetson documentation.

3. Utilize Jetson.GPIO Library:

   • Install and use the Jetson.GPIO library instead of RPi.GPIO. The Jetson.GPIO library supports similar functionalities and includes a mode for pin numbering that aligns with physical board layout.
   • Example code snippet to set up GPIO:

     import Jetson.GPIO as GPIO
     
     # Set up pin numbering mode
     GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BOARD)  # or GPIO.BCM based on preference
     
     # Set up a specific pin
     GPIO.setup(11, GPIO.OUT)  # Example for using pin 11
     

4. Test Pin Functionality:

   • Create simple scripts to test whether specific pins respond as expected when configured as inputs or outputs.

5. Consult Community Resources:

   • Engage with community forums or resources similar to those used for Raspberry Pi projects. The link provided in the forum discussion about driving a stepper motor with Raspberry Pi can serve as a reference point.

6. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Ensure that all relevant drivers and firmware for the Jetson Orin Nano are up-to-date to prevent any compatibility issues.

7. Best Practices:

   • Always refer to official Nvidia documentation for guidance on hardware setup and software libraries.
   • Keep track of any changes made in configurations so they can be easily reverted if needed.

8. Further Investigation:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider reaching out directly to Nvidia support or exploring additional community forums dedicated to Jetson products for more tailored assistance.

By following these troubleshooting steps and utilizing available resources, users should be able to effectively identify and configure GPIO pins on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.