This article covers the camera pinout configurations used in NVIDIA Jetson camera pinout boards, including details on the 15-pin and 22-pin CSI connectors. It offers a straightforward guide for engineers and developers working with MIPI CSI-2 camera modules on Jetson Nano, Xavier NX, and Orin NX platforms. By outlining the signal roles of each pin, the article helps users properly connect and configure cameras for embedded vision applications.
Introduction
NVIDIA Jetson boards are widely used for edge computing and embedded vision projects. Connecting a camera to these boards is one of the first steps in developing an imaging application. To do that correctly, it's important to know the camera connector pinout on the Jetson board you are working with.
This article provides a clear breakdown of the pin configurations for commonly used Jetson camera interfaces—mainly the 15-pin and 22-pin CSI connectors. This information is useful when selecting cables, designing custom interfaces, or connecting third-party camera modules.
Overview of Jetson CSI Camera Interfaces
NVIDIA Jetson boards use MIPI CSI-2 interfaces to connect camera modules. These connectors are typically either:
A 15-pin FPC connector (used in Jetson Nano and some developer kits)
A 22-pin FPC connector (used in Jetson Xavier NX, Orin NX, and production modules)
The MIPI CSI-2 interface supports high-speed data transmission for image and video capture. Each pin in these connectors has a defined role—such as carrying power, transmitting MIPI data lanes, or handling I2C communication.
Jetson Nano 15-Pin Camera Pinout
The 15-pin connector on Jetson Nano follows a layout that is also seen in many Raspberry Pi camera modules. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Pins for MIPI CSI-2 data lanes (Data0+, Data0-, Data1+, Data1-)
Pins for clock signals (Clock+, Clock-)
Power pins (3.3V and Ground)
I2C lines (SDA and SCL for camera control)
One CAM_IO (used for camera reset or power-down)
This setup supports cameras that follow the same physical and electrical specification, making integration relatively straightforward.
Jetson Xavier NX / Orin NX 22-Pin Camera Pinout
The 22-pin connector is designed for more advanced use cases and provides additional flexibility. It includes:
Two MIPI CSI-2 interfaces (4 lanes total)
Additional I2C and control signals
Power rails including 1.8V, 3.3V, and Ground
Camera GPIOs for functions like reset or trigger
This layout allows for dual camera setups or higher data throughput, which is essential in complex imaging systems.
Why Pinout Accuracy Matters
Mismatched wiring or incorrect assumptions about the pinout can damage both the Jetson board and the camera module. Developers must always refer to official documentation or trusted breakout boards when making connections.
Using an intermediate board like a MIPI CSI adapter or FPC breakout simplifies the task. Some of these adapter boards label each pin clearly, reducing the risk of wiring errors during hardware prototyping.
Common Use Cases
Connecting a global shutter camera to capture high-speed motion
Setting up stereo vision with dual camera modules
Integrating industrial-grade sensors for robotics or machine vision
Running edge inference models with real-time video input
Each of these use cases starts with the basic step of making sure the camera is wired correctly to the Jetson board.
Conclusion
Correctly using the NVIDIA Jetson camera pinout is essential for any imaging application involving these platforms. Whether using the 15-pin or 22-pin connector, knowing each pin’s function prevents hardware damage and ensures proper data flow between the camera and the board. This foundational step plays a major role in achieving reliable results in embedded camera projects.
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