Why Pinout Matters in Jetson Camera Setups
Before any image processing can happen, the camera must be wired correctly to the board. The NVIDIA Jetson camera pinout defines how power, clock, data lanes, and control signals travel between the Jetson processor and the camera module. Each pin must be assigned its correct function. If even one pin is misaligned, the entire setup may fail to work.
Understanding MIPI CSI-2 and Its Role
The Jetson platform uses the MIPI CSI-2 interface—a high-speed connection standard designed for cameras. It allows direct data transfer from the image sensor to the processor, which is crucial for real-time applications like robotics, computer vision, and edge AI.
Jetson modules typically support two types of MIPI CSI-2 links:
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2-lane for lighter bandwidth needs
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4-lane for high-resolution or multi-stream camera setups
Jetson Connector Types: 15-Pin vs. 22-Pin
Different Jetson boards come with different camera connectors. Here's what you need to know:
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15-Pin CSI Connector
Used in Jetson Nano and Xavier NX, this connector supports 2-lane MIPI CSI-2 cameras. It’s a common choice for general imaging projects or development setups. -
22-Pin CSI Connector
Found in Jetson Orin and more advanced modules, this connector handles 4-lane MIPI CSI-2 cameras. It allows for higher frame rates and resolutions—perfect for more demanding visual tasks.
Simplifying Camera Integration with Vadzo Boards
If you’re tired of reading pinout tables and trying to match each wire by hand, Vadzo’s ATR boards offer a clean solution. These boards are designed specifically for Jetson platforms and eliminate the guesswork:
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15-Pin ATR Board (2-Lane)
Compatible with Nano and Xavier NX. Lets you plug in your MIPI camera without custom wiring. -
22-Pin ATR Board (4-Lane)
Built for Jetson Orin, this board supports higher data rates and is ready to handle larger image pipelines.
Both options follow NVIDIA's standard pin configurations, ensuring a stable and reliable connection every time.
The Cost of Getting Pinouts Wrong
Incorrect pinouts can result in:
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The camera not being detected
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Glitched or frozen image feeds
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Potential short circuits or board damage
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Lost development time due to troubleshooting
A small oversight in wiring can lead to major delays in your project.
Conclusion
Whether you're building a prototype or launching a production device, getting the NVIDIA Jetson camera pinout right is one of the most important early steps. It’s not just about plugging things in—it's about making sure every signal goes to the right place. Vadzo’s 15-pin and 22-pin connector boards are purpose-built to make this process quicker and more reliable. With the right tools and knowledge, your Jetson-based camera system can start delivering results from day one.
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