Issue Flashing Orin Nano DevKit With JetPack 6.0

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit with JetPack 6.0. The primary issue is that the SDK Manager fails to complete the flashing process, resulting in errors. This problem occurs during the initial setup of the device and affects the installation of the operating system and necessary software components. Users have reported this issue on both Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04 host systems, indicating that it’s not limited to a specific host OS version.

The problem persists across different flashing options, including attempts to flash to NVME and SD Card storage. While some users have successfully flashed QSPI using the flash.sh script, the SDK Manager consistently fails to complete the process. This issue significantly impacts the user’s ability to set up and use their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit effectively.

Possible Causes

1. USB Driver Issues: There appears to be a problem with the USB driver, specifically with the "tegra-xudc.c" file. This could be causing communication issues between the host computer and the Jetson device during the flashing process.

2. Incompatibility with Host OS: While the issue has been reported on both Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04, there might be underlying compatibility issues with the host operating system and the SDK Manager or flashing tools.

3. Hardware Communication Problems: The flashing process may be failing due to inconsistent or unreliable communication between the host computer and the Jetson device, possibly related to USB connectivity.

4. Software Bugs: There could be bugs in the JetPack 6.0 flashing tools or the SDK Manager that are preventing successful completion of the flashing process.

5. Incorrect Flashing Parameters: Users might be using incorrect parameters or configuration files when attempting to flash the device, leading to failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Apply USB Driver Patch:

   • A patch has been provided to address issues with the USB driver.
   • Replace the original file at ~/nvidia/nvidia_sdk/JetPack_6.0_DP_Linux_DP_JETSON_ORIN_NX_TARGETS/Linux_for_Tegra/rootfs/usr/lib/modules/5.15.122-tegra/kernel/drivers/usb/gadget/udc/tegra-xudc.ko with the patched version.
   • Also replace Linux_for_Tegra/tools/kernel_flash/initrd_flash/nv_enable_remote.sh with the patched version.

2. Use Correct Flashing Command:
   Run the following command from the L4T root folder:

   sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p "-c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit external
   

   Note: Use jetson-orin-nano-devkit instead of p3768-0000-p3767-0000-a0-nvme in the command.

3. Use USB 2.0 Hub:

   • Some users have reported success by connecting the Jetson card to the host computer through a USB 2.0 hub during installation.
   • This workaround may help bypass USB communication issues.

4. Alternative Flashing Method:

   • If SDK Manager fails, try using the flash.sh script to flash QSPI.
   • Follow up with manual installation of additional components if necessary.

5. Network Configuration:

   • If USB ethernet access is not available after flashing, complete the oem-config setup using an attached display.
   • Use a wired ethernet connection to install additional components with SDK Manager.

6. Check Host System Compatibility:

   • Ensure your host system meets the requirements for JetPack 6.0 installation.
   • Consider trying the installation on a different host machine or OS version if possible.

7. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Double-check all physical connections between the host computer and the Jetson device.
   • Try using different USB ports or cables to rule out hardware connectivity issues.

8. Monitor Temperature and Power:

   • Ensure the Jetson device is not overheating during the flashing process.
   • Verify that the power supply is stable and providing sufficient power to the device.

9. Review Log Files:

   • Analyze the provided log files (SDKM_logs) for specific error messages or failure points.
   • Look for patterns or recurring errors that might provide clues about the root cause.

10. Contact Nvidia Support:

    • If the issue persists after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to Nvidia support for further assistance.
    • Provide them with detailed logs, hardware specifications, and a description of the steps you’ve already taken.

Remember that while these solutions have worked for some users, the USB ethernet access issue may still persist even after successful flashing. In such cases, proceed with the installation using alternative network connections like wired ethernet.