Flashing NVMe SSD on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit are encountering difficulties when attempting to flash an NVMe SSD for use as primary storage instead of the slower micro SD card. The main symptoms include:

• Inability to flash the NVMe SSD without a host Ubuntu 20.04 PC.
• Confusion regarding the flashing process, particularly with the SDK Manager and shell scripts.
• Reports of the Orin Nano not appearing as a target in SDK Manager, despite other Jetson devices being recognized.

This issue typically occurs during the initial setup phase when users want to optimize performance by using NVMe SSDs. The hardware specifications mentioned include the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit and a compatible NVMe SSD. The problem appears to be consistent across multiple users, significantly impacting their ability to utilize the device effectively.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes have been identified for this issue:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The Jetson Orin Nano may not support direct flashing of NVMe SSDs without a proper host setup.
• Software Bugs: The SDK Manager may not yet fully support the Orin Nano, leading to detection issues.
• Configuration Errors: Users may not be entering recovery mode correctly, which is essential for flashing.
• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could prevent successful detection and flashing of the NVMe SSD.
• User Misconfigurations: Incorrect setup steps or failure to follow specific instructions could lead to problems during the flashing process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve these issues, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that the NVMe SSD is properly installed in the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.
   • Check connections and confirm that all necessary power cables are connected.

2. Enter Force Recovery Mode:

   • Shorten the FC REC pin and GND pin before connecting power to enter recovery mode.
   • Verify successful entry into recovery mode by running lsusb in a terminal; look for an entry indicating Nvidia Corp.

3. Using SDK Manager:

   • Download and install the latest version of SDK Manager on a host Ubuntu 20.04 PC.
   • Ensure that your Jetson device is detected in SDK Manager; if not, recheck recovery mode.
   • If issues persist, try using manual setup in SDK Manager and select appropriate options for your device.

4. Flashing via Shell Script:

   • If SDK Manager fails, consider using the shell script provided in the BSP (Board Support Package).
   • Follow detailed instructions from NVIDIA’s documentation on how to execute this script correctly.

5. Log Exporting:

   • If errors occur during flashing, use the “EXPORT LOGS” feature in SDK Manager to gather diagnostic information for troubleshooting.

6. Best Practices:

   • Always ensure that you are using a real host PC instead of a virtual machine for flashing.
   • Regularly check for updates on NVIDIA’s official forums or documentation regarding new releases or fixes related to Jetpack and SDK Manager.

7. Recommended Approach:

   • Users have reported success with using SDK Manager after ensuring proper recovery mode entry; therefore, this should be attempted first before switching to shell scripts.

8. Documentation Links:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official Jetson Linux Developer Guide for detailed instructions on flashing devices and troubleshooting common issues.

9. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Some users still report inconsistencies with options appearing in SDK Manager; further investigation may be needed into software updates or community-driven solutions.

By following these structured steps, users should be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to flashing NVMe SSDs on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit effectively.