Power Button Functionality Issue on Headless Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

The Jetson Orin Nano, when used in a headless configuration (without a monitor, keyboard, or mouse), experiences inconsistent power button functionality. Specifically:

• The device powers on correctly with a button press
• The power button fails to initiate a clean shutdown when no monitor is connected
• Prolonged button press results in an abrupt power cut, potentially causing data loss or corruption
• The power button functions as expected when a monitor is connected

This issue significantly impacts the usability of the Jetson Orin Nano in robotics and edge computing applications where headless operation is common.

Possible Causes

1. GUI-Dependent Power Management: The power button functionality may be tied to the graphical user interface (GUI) login, similar to other hardware functions in Ubuntu-based systems.

2. User Permissions: The power button’s shutdown function might be associated with the user logged into the GUI, reverting to a different behavior when no user is logged in.

3. Ubuntu Version Differences: The issue appears to be related to the Ubuntu version used in the latest JetPack (20.04), as it worked on an older version (18.04).

4. NVIDIA-Specific Configuration: There might be NVIDIA-specific settings or drivers that affect power button behavior in headless mode.

5. Hardware Signal Interpretation: The system might interpret the power button signal differently without a monitor connected, possibly due to power state detection mechanisms.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Use a Dummy Monitor

   • As a workaround, connect a dummy monitor to the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • This solution, while not ideal, has been reported to work effectively.

2. SSH Shutdown Method

   • If network access is available, use SSH to connect to the device.
   • Execute the following command for a clean shutdown:

     sudo shutdown -h now
     

   • Note: This method requires manual intervention and doesn’t utilize the physical power button.

3. Investigate Ubuntu Power Management Settings

   • Research and modify Ubuntu 20.04 power management configurations.
   • Look for settings related to ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) events.
   • Explore the possibility of creating custom ACPI event handlers for the power button.

4. Check for NVIDIA-Specific Power Management Tools

   • Investigate if NVIDIA provides any command-line tools or configuration options for power management on Jetson devices.
   • Look for Jetson-specific documentation on headless operation and power management.

5. Explore systemd Power Management

   • Ubuntu 20.04 uses systemd, which includes power management capabilities.
   • Research how to configure systemd to handle power button events in headless mode.
   • Example command to check current power button behavior:

     systemctl status systemd-logind
     

6. Custom Script for Power Button Events

   • Create a script that listens for power button events and initiates a clean shutdown.
   • Use tools like acpid or systemd to capture and handle power button presses.

7. Kernel Parameter Adjustment

   • Investigate kernel parameters related to ACPI and power management.
   • Modify /etc/default/grub and update GRUB if necessary.

8. Firmware Update

   • Check for any available firmware updates for the Jetson Orin Nano that might address this issue.
   • Keep the JetPack software up to date.

9. Community Support

   • Engage with the NVIDIA Developer forums for Jetson-specific advice.
   • Consider reporting this issue to NVIDIA as a potential bug or feature request for headless operation improvements.

10. Hardware Verification

    • Ensure that the power button is correctly connected and the jumper is properly set according to Jetson Orin Nano documentation.
    • Test the power button functionality with different monitors to rule out any hardware-specific issues.