Global Shutter MIPI/CSI camera for Orin NX (Arducam/e-Con/Leopard)

Hello NVIDIA Community,

We’re in the process of transitioning our drone design from Jetson Nano to Jetson Orin NX. Our design is focused on light weight and vibration resistance. Currently, we’re using an IMX219 sensor with a custom Jetson carrier.

The main challenge now is upgrading our landing and FPV cameras from IMX219 to a more advanced option. The new landing camera must have a global shutter, and we’re considering sensors like OV2311 or AR0234. The ideal solution would be a simple MIPI sensor that connects through our adapter board equipped by vibration proof connectors, ensuring minimal mass and robust against vibrations.

However, I understand there’s no direct support for global shutter cameras on the Orin NX.

So, we’re exploring these paths:

  1. Integrating Arducam OV2311 with Arducam IMX519, but concerned about size and connector safety.

  2. Working with e-Con systems to develop a compatible connector for their OV2311 board, along with an L4T driver for the Jetson Orin NX. This could be time-consuming.

  3. Using the compact Leopard OV2311 module with our adapter and developing a custom L4T driver, while connecting IMX219 with native driver support as a secondary camera. This approach carries certain risks.

Any insights or advice, especially on option 3, would be invaluable.

Thanks for your help.

hello isapient,

please double check Jetson Partner Supported Cameras,
I do see there’re global shutter cameras supported on the Orin NX.

Thanks for the suggestions, Jerry.

After reviewing the Jetson Partner Supported Cameras and consulting with Arducam, e-con and Leopard support, here’s my current assessment:

  1. Arducam OV2311: This is my ideal sensor, but it only pairs with Arducam’s IMX519. This raises concerns about size and connector safety. https://www.arducam.com/product/arducam-2mp-ov2311-global-shutter-mono-visible-light-camera-modules-for-jetson-nano/

  2. AR0234 Models: I found three models, but they fall short for night vision requirements:

  1. Leopard Imaging OV2311 Module: Compact and fits our needs, but lacks drivers. I’m contemplating developing a custom driver, leveraging my experience in video capture device drivers. https://leopardimaging.com/product/robotics-cameras/cis-2-mipi-modules/mobile-modules/li-ov2311-mipi/li-ov2311-mipi-125h/

I’d appreciate any insights or advice, particularly regarding the risks and best practices in custom driver development.

For additional context:

  1. Arducam has confirmed that their OV2311 and AR0234 cameras are only compatible with the IMX519.
  2. e-con Systems is open to paid customization for their OV2311 board.
  3. Leopard Imaging currently doesn’t offer drivers for their module, so I might venture into developing them.

Thanks again for your support.

1 Like

hello isapient,

actually, it depends-on your own camera use-case for camera selection.
you may refer to developer guide, Sensor Software Driver Programming for driver development.

Thank you Jerry,

I have question to community, may be someone have successful experience of OV2311 driver development for any Jetson model? Could you guide me to useful source codes or docs or discussions?

This topic was automatically closed 14 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.