USB Write Timeout Error When Flashing Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Kit, specifically the 8GB model. The primary symptom is a USB write timeout error that occurs during the flashing process. This issue appears to be persistent across multiple attempts and affects users trying to flash JetPack 6 on Ubuntu 22.04 host systems. The problem occurs during the initial stages of the flashing process, preventing successful installation of the operating system and necessary firmware.

Key points:

• Error message: "ERROR: might be timeout in USB write"
• Occurs with both SDK Manager and manual flashing attempts
• Affects Jetson Orin Nano 8GB DevKit
• Host system: Ubuntu 22.04
• Target JetPack version: 6

Possible Causes

1. USB Connection Issues: The error suggests problems with the USB communication between the host computer and the Jetson device. This could be due to:

   • Faulty USB cables
   • Incompatible or malfunctioning USB ports
   • USB driver issues on the host system

2. Power Supply Problems: Insufficient or unstable power supply to the Jetson device could lead to communication errors during the flashing process.

3. Hardware Defects: There might be hardware issues with either the Jetson device or the host computer’s USB controller.

4. Software Conflicts: Incompatibilities between the host OS, SDK Manager version, and the target JetPack version could cause flashing failures.

5. Corrupted Firmware: The existing firmware on the Jetson device might be corrupted, preventing proper communication during the flashing process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. USB Connection Troubleshooting:

   • Try different USB cables, preferably high-quality, short cables.
   • Connect the Jetson device directly to the host computer, avoiding USB hubs.
   • Test different USB ports on the host computer, particularly USB 3.0 ports.
   • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected at both ends.

2. Power Supply Check:

   • Use the official power supply that came with the Jetson Orin Nano DevKit.
   • Ensure the power supply is properly connected and providing stable power.

3. Host System Preparation:

   • Update the host Ubuntu system to the latest version:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
     

   • Install or update necessary dependencies:

     sudo apt install libxml2-utils
     

4. SDK Manager and JetPack Installation:

   • Download the latest version of SDK Manager from the NVIDIA website.
   • Run SDK Manager with elevated privileges:

     sudo ./sdkmanager
     

   • Select the appropriate JetPack version (JetPack 6 in this case) and follow the installation wizard.

5. Manual Flashing Method:
   If SDK Manager fails, try the manual flashing method:

   • Download the Jetson Linux package from NVIDIA’s website.
   • Extract the package and navigate to the extracted directory.
   • Put the Jetson Orin Nano into recovery mode:
     • Connect the Jetson to the host computer via USB.
     • Press and hold the RECOVERY button while pressing the RESET button.
     • Release the RESET button, then release the RECOVERY button after 2 seconds.
   • Run the flashing command:

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

6. Alternative Flashing Method:
   One user reported success using Balena Etcher to flash the image. While this method may work, it’s important to note that it might not include all necessary components for full functionality, especially for tasks like changing pinmux configurations.

7. NVIDIA Support:
   If all else fails, consider reaching out to NVIDIA support or posting on the official NVIDIA Developer Forums for more specialized assistance.

8. Hardware Inspection:
   If the issue persists across multiple host computers and cables, there might be a hardware problem with the Jetson device itself. In this case, consider contacting NVIDIA for potential RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) options.

By following these steps systematically, users should be able to resolve the USB write timeout error and successfully flash their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board. If the issue persists, it may indicate a more serious hardware problem that requires professional attention.