How to Flash Multiple Orin Nanos with NVMe Storage?

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties in flashing multiple Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kits for production purposes. The specific symptoms include confusion regarding the absence of a clear workflow for mass flashing these devices, particularly when using NVMe storage. The issue arises during the setup phase, specifically when attempting to use the SDK Manager for flashing multiple units.

The hardware in question includes the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit from Seeed Studio, and the software version being used is JetPack 5.1.1, which corresponds to JetPack 35.3.1. Users have reported inconsistent experiences with this process, indicating that while some may successfully flash a single unit, scaling this process to multiple devices presents challenges.

The impact of this problem on user experience is significant, as it hampers the ability to deploy multiple units efficiently in a production environment, leading to potential delays and increased complexity in setup.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the NVMe storage or the development kit has defects or is incompatible with the flashing process, it could lead to failures during mass flashing.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The JetPack version being used may contain bugs that affect the mass flashing process or conflicts with other installed software.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the SDK Manager or related tools could prevent successful mass flashing.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for the Jetson Orin Nano may interfere with the flashing process.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or temperature extremes could affect the performance of the hardware during flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: As users are new to this process, they may overlook essential steps or misconfigure settings necessary for successful flashing.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Identify Hardware and Software Specifications:

   • Confirm that you are using the correct version of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.
   • Check that your JetPack version is 5.1.1 (JetPack 35.3.1).

2. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Workflow 7: Initrd Massflash in Linux_for_Tegra/tools/kernel_flash/README_initrd_flash.txt for detailed instructions on mass flashing using external NVMe SSDs.

3. Generate Mass Flash Package:

   • Use the custom BSP (Board Support Package) provided by your vendor to create a Mass Flash package tailored for your specific configuration.

4. Check SDK Manager Configuration:

   • Ensure that all settings in the SDK Manager are correctly configured for mass flashing.
   • Verify connections and ensure that all devices are recognized by your system.

5. Test with Different Configurations:

   • Attempt to flash a single unit first to ensure that your setup works before scaling up to multiple units.
   • If issues persist, try using different NVMe drives or USB connections.

6. Update Drivers and Software:

   • Ensure that all drivers related to the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano are up-to-date.
   • Consider updating to a newer version of JetPack if available.

7. Monitor Environmental Conditions:

   • Ensure that your power supply is stable and that operating temperatures are within recommended limits during flashing.

8. Seek Community Assistance:

   • If problems continue, consider posting detailed error messages and configurations on forums dedicated to Nvidia Jetson products for additional support from experienced users.

9. Best Practices for Future Flashing:

   • Document your configurations and successful processes for future reference.
   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding new tools or workflows related to mass flashing.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, users should be able to effectively address issues related to mass flashing their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kits with NVMe storage.