NVIDIA Jetson Developer Kits vs. The Imaging Source NVIDIA Orin Reference Designs

Are The Imaging Source MIPI/GMSL2 drivers compatible with NVIDIA Jetson platforms?

Our MIPI CSI-2 and GMSL2 solutions support selected NVIDIA Jetson Orin platforms and JetPack versions.
However, software compatibility with a JetPack version does not automatically mean compatibility with every Jetson-based hardware platform.

Our MIPI drivers are developed and validated for the specific hardware configurations of our NVIDIA Orin Reference Designs.

Can I use The Imaging Source MIPI drivers with an NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano Developer Kit?

Not necessarily.

The NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano Developer Kit is NVIDIA hardware and is not one of The Imaging Source's Reference Designs.
While our software may support the corresponding NVIDIA JetPack version, the driver may require hardware-specific adaptations to work with a third-party carrier board or Developer Kit.

Therefore, using our cameras and drivers with an NVIDIA Developer Kit may require an OEM adaptation project.

Why does the same JetPack version not guarantee compatibility?

JetPack provides the software environment for NVIDIA Jetson platforms, but the underlying hardware can differ significantly between systems.

For example, carrier boards and complete embedded systems may differ in:

• MIPI CSI-2 interface configuration

• GPIO and trigger implementation

• Device-tree configuration

• Power management

• Clocking and reset signals

• I/O configuration

• Camera interface routing

• Deserializer and serializer configuration

Our drivers therefore need to be adapted and validated for the actual target hardware.

In short: JetPack compatibility ≠ automatic hardware compatibility.

What if I want to use an NVIDIA Jetson Developer Kit anyway?

We can evaluate the possibility of adapting our software to the target hardware as an OEM development project.

Depending on the specific hardware and requirements, this may involve:

1. Access to the target hardware, either supplied by the customer or provided for development.

2. Engineering work to adapt and validate the drivers (NRE).

3. Testing with the customer's complete hardware and software configuration.

Please contact us to discuss the required hardware, software version and project scope.

Can The Imaging Source support third-party Jetson hardware?

Yes, third-party hardware can be supported as part of an OEM project.

However, support for third-party hardware is not automatically included simply because the platform uses a supported NVIDIA Jetson processor or JetPack version.

The required engineering effort depends on the hardware configuration and the desired functionality.

What is the recommended solution for a production application?

For new production projects, we recommend using one of The Imaging Source NVIDIA Orin Reference Designs.

Our Reference Designs combine:

• NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano technology

• The Imaging Source MIPI, GMSL2, FPD-Link III cameras

• Camera interface hardware

• Tested MIPI CSI-2 / GMSL2 integration

• The required drivers and software

• A hardware configuration designed for industrial applications

This provides a much more complete and controlled solution than combining our cameras and software with an evaluation Developer Kit.

Explore The Imaging Source NVIDIA Jetson Reference Designs

Are NVIDIA Jetson Developer Kits suitable for production?

NVIDIA Developer Kits are primarily intended for development, evaluation and prototyping. For a production application, customers should consider a production-oriented embedded system or a suitable Reference Design.

A production system also requires a clear solution for long-term hardware availability, software maintenance, integration and technical support.

What is the advantage of using a The Imaging Source Reference Design?

Using a The Imaging Source NVIDIA Orin Reference Design can significantly simplify system integration.

Instead of combining independently sourced hardware, drivers and cameras, customers receive a solution that has been designed around the complete camera-to-compute chain.

This can help reduce:

• Integration effort

• Driver adaptation

• Hardware compatibility risks

• Development time

• Long-term support complexity

For customers planning a production system, we therefore generally recommend starting with a The Imaging Source Reference Design rather than an NVIDIA Developer Kit.

Does The Imaging Source provide support if I use an NVIDIA Developer Kit?

We can investigate and support such configurations as part of an OEM project. However, because the hardware is not designed or supplied by The Imaging Source, hardware-specific adaptations and subsequent support may require additional engineering effort (including NRE).

For the most predictable development and support experience, we recommend using our Reference Designs.