Unable to Detect Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano as USB Device on Linux Host

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties in detecting the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano when attempting to connect it as a USB device to a Linux host. Specifically, the command lsusb does not show the device’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) on the host machine. This issue arises during the setup phase when users are trying to establish a connection between the Jetson Orin Nano and various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu 18.04 and 20.04.

Key details include:

• Symptoms: The Jetson Orin Nano is not recognized by the host system, resulting in no VID or PID being displayed when using lsusb.

• Context: The problem occurs when users attempt to connect their Jetson Orin Nano to a Linux host for development purposes.

• Hardware/Software Specifications: Users have reported using Jetpack 5.1.1 with Ubuntu 20.04 and also tested with Ubuntu 18.04.

• Frequency: Multiple users have encountered this issue consistently across different setups.

• Impact: The inability to detect the device hampers development efforts, preventing users from utilizing the Jetson Orin Nano for their intended applications.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes could lead to this detection issue:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: There may be issues with the USB cable or ports being used, which could prevent proper communication between devices.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There might be bugs in the Jetpack version or conflicts with other software running on the host.

• Configuration Errors: The Jetson Orin Nano may require specific configuration settings to enable device mode.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers on either the Jetson Orin Nano or the Linux host could affect recognition.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could hinder device functionality.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect setup procedures by users could lead to detection failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the detection issue, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure that you are using a functional USB cable and that it is properly connected.
   • Test different USB ports on both the Jetson Orin Nano and the Linux host.

2. Verify Software Configuration:

   • Confirm that your Jetson Orin Nano is set up correctly for device mode. This may involve modifying configuration files.
   • Check if any additional settings are required in Jetpack 5.1.1 for USB device mode.

3. Update Drivers and Software:

   • Ensure that your Linux host has all necessary updates installed.
   • Update Jetpack on your Jetson Orin Nano to the latest version if possible.

4. Use Terminal Commands for Diagnostics:

   • Run lsusb on your Linux host before and after connecting the Jetson Orin Nano to observe any changes.
   • Use dmesg | grep usb immediately after connecting to check for any error messages related to USB devices.

5. Test with Different Configurations:

   • If possible, try connecting the Jetson Orin Nano to another Linux machine to see if it is recognized.
   • Experiment with different operating systems (e.g., testing with Ubuntu 20.04 if you initially used 18.04).

6. Consult Documentation:

   • Review Nvidia’s official documentation regarding USB configurations for the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Look for any specific notes on setting up device mode in your version of Jetpack.

7. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Always ensure that you are using compatible hardware and software versions.
   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding firmware and software improvements.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider reaching out on forums or Nvidia support for further assistance, as some users may have unique setups requiring tailored solutions.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve the issue of their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano not being recognized as a USB device on a Linux host.