Orin Nano Bootup Failure

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing boot failures with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board after upgrading to Jetpack 6 on a new NVMe SSD while attempting to run the device with an existing NVMe SSD that has Jetpack 5 installed. The issue arises when the upgraded device fails to boot properly, indicating a conflict between the bootloader and the root filesystem (rootfs) versions.

Symptoms and Context

• Symptoms: The Orin Nano fails to boot when using an NVMe SSD with Jetpack 5 after upgrading to Jetpack 6 on another SSD.
• Context: The problem occurs during the boot process, specifically when attempting to use an older NVMe SSD that has not been updated to match the new Jetpack version.
• Hardware Specifications: The users involved are utilizing the Orin Nano Dev kit and NVMe SSDs.
• Frequency: This issue appears consistently for users who upgrade their Jetpack version while retaining older storage devices.
• Impact: The inability to boot affects user experience significantly, as it prevents access to the system and its functionalities.

Possible Causes

• Bootloader and Rootfs Version Mismatch: The bootloader on the Orin Nano is updated to Jetpack 6, but the rootfs on the older NVMe SSD is still on Jetpack 5. This mismatch is likely causing the boot failure.

• Incompatibility of Jetpack Versions: Using different versions of Jetpack on the board and storage device can lead to compatibility issues, as certain features or configurations may not align.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings or configurations during the upgrade process could lead to an inability for the system to recognize or properly utilize older software versions.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Confirm Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that you are using either a devkit or a custom board as this impacts compatibility.

2. Reflash NVMe SSD:

   • Connect the NVMe SSD that previously had Jetpack 5 installed.
   • Reflash this SSD with the appropriate version of Jetpack (Jetpack 6) to ensure compatibility with the updated bootloader.
   • Follow these steps:
     • Download the latest Jetpack SDK from Nvidia’s official site.
     • Use the SDK Manager to flash your NVMe SSD with Jetpack 6.

3. Check for Consistency Across Devices:

   • Ensure that all devices (NVMe SSDs) used with the Orin Nano are running compatible versions of Jetpack. It is recommended that all devices are either upgraded to Jetpack 6 or kept at Jetpack 5 uniformly.

4. Testing Different Configurations:

   • If issues persist, test using only one NVMe SSD at a time. First, try booting with just the new SSD (with Jetpack 6), then try with just the old SSD (with Jetpack 5) after reflashing.

5. Driver and Firmware Updates:

   • Check for any available driver updates or firmware upgrades that might address compatibility issues between hardware components and software versions.

6. Documentation and Support Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for detailed instructions on flashing devices and troubleshooting common issues related to Jetson products.
   • Engage with community forums for additional support and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

7. Best Practices for Future Upgrades:

   • Always ensure that all components are compatible before upgrading software or firmware.
   • Maintain backups of important configurations and data before performing upgrades or flashing processes.

Note on Unresolved Issues

While users have reported success in reflashing their NVMe SSDs with matching versions of Jetpack, there may still be unresolved aspects regarding specific hardware configurations or unique setups that could lead to similar issues. Further investigation may be required in such cases.