Booting Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano from External Disk

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties booting the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano from an external disk rather than the on-board eMMC. The primary symptoms include confusion regarding hardware capabilities and the correct procedures for booting from an external device.

The issue arises during the setup phase when users attempt to transition from the default eMMC boot to an external NVMe disk connected via PCI. However, there is a misunderstanding about the hardware specifications, as some users mistakenly refer to the Orin Nano having PCIe slots, which it does not possess. This confusion can lead to frustration and hinder progress in development projects.

The problem has been reported inconsistently, with some users successfully booting from external disks while others face challenges due to hardware misidentification or incorrect flashing procedures. The impact on user experience is significant, as it can delay project timelines and create barriers to utilizing the full potential of the Jetson Orin Nano.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Misunderstanding: Users may confuse the Orin Nano with other models like AGX Orin, leading to incorrect assumptions about available ports (e.g., PCIe slots).

• Incorrect Device Identification: Some users may not accurately identify their hardware setup, such as mistaking M.2 slots for PCIe connections.

• Flashing Procedure Errors: Users might not follow the correct flashing commands or options when attempting to burn images to external devices.

• Driver Issues: Incompatibilities or missing drivers for external devices could prevent successful booting.

• Configuration Errors: Improper settings in the bootloader or operating system may result in failure to recognize external boot devices.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Device Specifications:

   • Confirm that you are using an Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano and not another model.
   • Check that you are connecting your NVMe disk correctly, utilizing the appropriate M.2 slot.

2. Flashing the Image:

   • Use the following command structure to flash your image onto the external device:

     sudo ./flash.sh --external-device <device_name> <image_path>
     

   • Replace <device_name> with your specific external device identifier and <image_path> with the path to your image file.

3. Gather System Information:

   • Run the following command to check connected devices:

     lsblk
     

   • This will help confirm that your external NVMe disk is recognized by the system.

4. Check Boot Configuration:

   • Ensure that your bootloader is configured correctly to prioritize booting from the external device.
   • Review relevant documentation for configuring boot options specific to your setup.

5. Test Different Configurations:

   • If possible, test with another NVMe disk or use a different M.2 slot if available.
   • Try using a different power supply or cable to eliminate environmental issues.

6. Refer to Official Documentation:

   • For detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, consult the official Nvidia documentation at:
     Nvidia Jetson Developer Guide

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always double-check hardware specifications before making configurations.
   • Keep firmware and drivers updated to ensure compatibility with new devices.
   • Document any successful configurations for future reference.

Unresolved aspects include clarification on whether certain configurations work universally across all Orin Nano devices or if specific setups yield different results. Further investigation may be needed into driver support for various NVMe disks and their compatibility with the Jetson Orin Nano’s architecture.