Jetson Orin Nano 8GB Boot Loop Issue After OS Installation

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a persistent boot loop issue with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 8GB development board. The problem occurs immediately after the initial operating system and SDK installation. Specifically:

• The system successfully completes the OS installation on the NVMe storage.
• During the first boot, the Ubuntu boot screen is visible.
• Users are unable to log in to the system despite connecting a keyboard and mouse.
• After the initial boot attempt, the system enters an endless reboot cycle.
• The Jetpack installation fails to complete during the Nvidia component installation phase.

This issue significantly impacts the usability of the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB, preventing users from accessing and utilizing the device for development purposes.

Possible Causes

Several factors could contribute to this boot loop issue:

1. Incompatible Host System: The use of Ubuntu 18.04 as the host computer for installation may not be fully compatible with the latest Jetson Orin Nano 8GB requirements.

2. Incomplete OS Installation: The installation process might not have completed successfully, leaving the system in an unstable state.

3. Hardware Compatibility Issues: The AverMedia d131 motherboard may have compatibility problems with the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB module.

4. Corrupted Boot Loader: The boot loader could be corrupted during the installation process, preventing proper system initialization.

5. Jetpack Installation Failure: The incomplete Jetpack installation might result in missing crucial drivers or system components.

6. Power Supply Problems: Inadequate or unstable power supply could cause the system to reboot continuously.

7. NVMe Storage Issues: There might be problems with the NVMe storage device or its configuration.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Host System Compatibility:

   • Check the official Nvidia documentation for the recommended host system requirements for Jetson Orin Nano 8GB installation.
   • Consider using a more recent Ubuntu LTS version, such as 20.04 or 22.04, for the host system.

2. Reflash the Jetson Orin Nano:

   • Download the latest Jetson OS image from the official Nvidia website.
   • Use the Nvidia SDK Manager to flash the device, ensuring all steps are completed successfully.
   • Command to launch SDK Manager:

     sdkmanager
     

3. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure all connections between the Jetson Orin Nano module and the AverMedia d131 motherboard are secure.
   • Verify that the power supply meets the required specifications for the Jetson Orin Nano.

4. Boot into Recovery Mode:

   • Connect the Jetson Orin Nano to the host computer via USB.
   • Press and hold the recovery button while powering on the device.
   • Use the following command to check if the device is detected:

     lsusb | grep NVIDIA
     

5. Manually Flash the Device:

   • Download the Jetson Linux Driver Package (L4T) for Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Extract the package and navigate to the Linux_for_Tegra directory.
   • Run the following command to flash the device:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

6. Check NVMe Storage:

   • Boot into the recovery mode and check if the NVMe storage is detected:

     sudo fdisk -l
     

   • If detected, try reformatting the NVMe drive before reflashing.

7. Consult Vendor-Specific Instructions:

   • As mentioned in the forum, for vendor boards like the AverMedia d131, refer to the manufacturer’s specific instructions for flashing and setup.
   • Check the AverMedia support website for any known issues or specific guidelines for use with Jetson Orin Nano.

8. Open a Support Ticket:

   • If the issue persists, open a new topic in the official Nvidia Developer Forums under the "Jetson Orin Nano" category.
   • Provide detailed information about your setup, steps taken, and any error messages encountered.

9. Consider Alternative Boot Options:

   • Try booting from an SD card instead of the NVMe storage to isolate potential storage-related issues.
   • Use the following command to flash to an SD card:

     sudo ./flash.sh -r jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk1p1
     

Remember to document each step taken and the results observed. This information will be valuable if you need to seek further assistance from Nvidia support or the developer community.