Updating to Jetpack 6.0 from 5.1.2

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board have reported challenges when attempting to upgrade from JetPack version 5.1.2 to 6.0. The primary symptoms include confusion regarding the upgrade process, specifically whether it is necessary to use SD cards or if an internal storage method can be utilized for the update.

The issue arises during the upgrade process, where users are uncertain if a full reflash using the SDK Manager is required or if an in-device update is possible, similar to previous upgrades from 5.1.1 to 5.1.2. Users have expressed concerns about the compatibility of existing boot content with the new JetPack version, particularly regarding QSPI memory on the module, which contains essential boot information.

The problem has been consistently reported, indicating a lack of clarity in the upgrade procedure, which significantly impacts user experience by potentially leading to unsuccessful upgrades and wasted time.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The QSPI memory on the Orin Nano module contains boot content that is incompatible with JetPack 6/L4T R36.x DP, necessitating a full reflash.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The transition from one major version of JetPack to another can introduce software conflicts that may not be present in minor version updates.

• Configuration Errors: Users may misconfigure their setup or fail to follow the correct procedures for upgrading, leading to errors during the process.

• Driver Issues: Incompatibilities between drivers used in JetPack 5.x and those required for JetPack 6.x could lead to failures during the upgrade.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Lack of familiarity with the upgrade process may result in incorrect assumptions about the requirements for updating.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Current Setup:

   • Confirm that your Orin Nano Dev board is currently running JetPack version 5.1.2.
   • Ensure that you have access to SDK Manager for performing a full reflash.

2. Understand Upgrade Requirements:

   • Recognize that upgrading from JetPack 5.x to 6.x requires a full reflash due to incompatibilities in boot content.
   • Note that SD cards are not necessary if you are using NVMe or other compatible storage devices.

3. Prepare for Full Reflash:

   • Download and install the latest version of SDK Manager from Nvidia’s official site.
   • Backup any important data on your current setup before proceeding with the reflash.

4. Execute Full Reflash:

   • Connect your Orin Nano Dev board to your host machine.
   • Launch SDK Manager and select JetPack 6.0 for installation.
   • Follow on-screen instructions for flashing the new version onto your device.

5. Post-Upgrade Verification:

   • After flashing, verify that all components are functioning correctly.
   • Check for any driver updates or additional configurations needed post-upgrade.

6. Best Practices:

   • Always refer to Nvidia’s official documentation regarding upgrades and compatibility.
   • Regularly check forums and community discussions for updates or changes in procedures related to JetPack upgrades.

7. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed regarding specific user configurations that could lead to unique issues during upgrades.
   • Monitor future releases of JetPack for improvements in upgrade processes or additional support for in-device updates.

By following these steps and recommendations, users should be able to successfully navigate the upgrade process from JetPack 5.1.2 to 6.0 on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards without unnecessary complications.