Parsing board information failed. Error: failed to generate images in Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board. The flashing process fails with the error message "Parsing board information failed. Error: failed to generate images". This issue occurs during the image generation step of the flashing process, preventing the successful installation of the operating system on the device. The problem appears to be affecting custom carrier boards using the Orin Nano module, and it persists even after multiple attempts and different command variations.

Possible Causes

1. Incorrect board configuration: The flashing command may be using incorrect board ID, SKU, or FAB values for the specific Orin Nano variant being used.

2. Incompatible L4T/JetPack version: The software package being used may not be fully compatible with the custom carrier board or the specific Orin Nano module.

3. Hardware issues: There could be a problem with the physical connection between the host computer and the Orin Nano board, or an issue with the board itself.

4. Corrupted or incomplete software package: The L4T (Linux for Tegra) package being used for flashing might be corrupted or missing critical components.

5. USB communication issues: Problems with USB connectivity or drivers on the host system could be interrupting the flashing process.

6. Insufficient permissions: The flashing process may be failing due to lack of proper permissions on the host system.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify board configuration:

   • Confirm the exact model of your Orin Nano module (e.g., 8GB with SD card, 8GB without SD card, 4GB version).
   • Use the correct BOARDID, BOARDSKU, and FAB values in the flashing command. For example:

     sudo BOARDID=3767 BOARDSKU=0003 FAB=300 ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh ...
     

   • Refer to the environment variables value table provided in the discussion for the correct values.

2. Check L4T/JetPack compatibility:

   • Ensure you are using the latest compatible version of L4T/JetPack for your Orin Nano module.
   • Consider trying an older or newer version if the current one is not working.

3. Inspect hardware connections:

   • Verify that the USB connection between your host computer and the Orin Nano board is secure.
   • Try using a different USB cable or port.
   • Check if the board is properly powered and in recovery mode before flashing.

4. Redownload and extract the L4T package:

   • Download a fresh copy of the L4T package from the NVIDIA developer website.
   • Extract the package and ensure all files are present.

5. Address USB issues:

   • Run the following command to check USB autosuspend settings:

     cat /sys/module/usbcore/parameters/autosuspend
     

   • If the value is not -1, try disabling USB autosuspend:

     echo -1 | sudo tee /sys/module/usbcore/parameters/autosuspend
     

   • Ensure you have the latest USB drivers installed on your host system.

6. Run the flashing command with proper permissions:

   • Always use sudo when running the flashing command.
   • Ensure your user account has the necessary permissions to access USB devices.

7. Use verbose logging:

   • Add the --showlogs flag to your flashing command for more detailed output:

     sudo BOARDID=3767 BOARDSKU=0003 FAB=300 ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p "-c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

8. Check for conflicting processes:

   • Ensure no other processes are interfering with the flashing process.
   • Close any applications that might be accessing the USB port or the Orin Nano board.

9. Verify custom carrier board compatibility:

   • If using a custom carrier board, consult with the board vendor to ensure it’s fully compatible with the Orin Nano module and the flashing process.

10. Consider testing with a DevKit:

    • If possible, try flashing a standard Jetson Orin Nano DevKit to isolate whether the issue is specific to your custom setup.

If the issue persists after trying these steps, it may be necessary to contact NVIDIA developer support or consult with the custom carrier board manufacturer for further assistance. Additionally, capturing and providing detailed logs of the entire flashing process can be helpful for diagnosing the root cause of the problem.