Orin Nano Can Not Start Up, Power LED Does Not Flash

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board where the device fails to power on. The specific symptoms include:

• The power LED does not illuminate, and the fan does not operate when the device is powered on.
• No output is displayed on the screen via the display port.
• Users have checked the power supply and observed that multiple components are providing 5V and 3.3V, as indicated by multimeter measurements.

This issue typically occurs after a few days of successful operation, suggesting that it may arise due to hardware failure or power supply issues. The frequency of this problem appears to be sporadic, with some users experiencing it after a period of normal functionality. The impact on user experience is significant, as it renders the device inoperable and prevents any development or testing activities.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: A fault in the carrier board may lead to failure while the module itself remains functional.

• Power Supply Regulation Quality: A previously functioning power supply may not provide adequate regulation quality over time, leading to power issues.

• Peripheral Issues: Connected peripherals could consume excess power or fail, indirectly causing the main board to malfunction.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings or configurations during setup may lead to startup failures.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent proper initialization of hardware components.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect wiring or connections during setup could lead to startup problems.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To diagnose and potentially resolve the issue, follow these detailed troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Power Supply:

   • Ensure that you are using the original power supply designed for the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Measure the output voltage of the power supply with a multimeter to confirm it meets specifications.

2. Check for Peripheral Interference:

   • Disconnect all peripherals from the device.
   • Power on the Orin Nano and observe if any lights illuminate.
   • If successful, reconnect peripherals one at a time to identify any faulty devices.

3. Inspect Carrier Board and Connections:

   • Examine the carrier board for any visible signs of damage or burn marks.
   • Ensure all connections are secure and properly seated.

4. Test Power Points:

   • Use a multimeter to check various test points for 5V and 3.3V outputs.
   • If all test points show correct voltages, it may indicate a failure in another component.

5. Recovery Method:

   • Follow the recovery method outlined in the user guide to attempt a reset of the device.
   • This may involve connecting specific pins or using software tools provided by Nvidia.

6. Serial Console Testing:

   • Connect a serial console to monitor boot messages.
   • This can provide insights into where the boot process is failing.

7. Firmware and Driver Updates:

   • Check for any available firmware updates or driver patches on Nvidia’s official website.
   • Apply updates as necessary following provided instructions.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly update firmware and drivers to maintain compatibility and performance.
   • Ensure proper ventilation and avoid overheating by keeping the device in a well-ventilated area.
   • Use high-quality power supplies that meet specifications for reliable performance.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, further investigation may be required, potentially involving reaching out to Nvidia support or community forums for additional assistance.