eMMC Boot Configuration for Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are seeking guidance on how to configure booting from eMMC on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano. The discussion revolves around designing a custom carrier board that includes an additional eMMC IC and the ability to switch the boot order between eMMC and SD card.

• Symptoms: Users express uncertainty about how to connect eMMC to the Jetson Orin Nano and whether it is feasible to switch the boot order.

• Context: The inquiry arises during the planning phase for a custom carrier board intended for use with the Jetson Orin Nano, with specific interest in utilizing eMMC for booting.

• Hardware/Software Specifications:

  • Device: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano
  • Additional Hardware: Custom carrier board with an eMMC IC.

• Frequency: This issue is likely common among developers designing custom hardware solutions for the Jetson platform.

• Impact on User Experience: The inability to configure eMMC booting can limit the flexibility and functionality of custom designs, affecting overall project development.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the challenges in configuring eMMC booting:

• Lack of SD/MMC/SDIO Pins: The Jetson Orin Nano does not have dedicated SD/MMC or SDIO pins available for direct connection to eMMC, complicating the setup.

• Misunderstanding of Pin Functions: Users may misinterpret available pins, believing they can be used for eMMC connections when they serve different functions (e.g., PCIe).

• Design Limitations: The existing hardware design of the Jetson Orin Nano may not support booting from eMMC without additional components or modifications.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To assist users in configuring eMMC booting on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these steps:

1. Review Hardware Specifications:

   • Consult the official Nvidia documentation and schematics for the Jetson Orin Nano to understand available pin functions and limitations regarding eMMC connections.

2. Identify Available Pins:

   • Verify if there are any pins on the SoDIMM connector that can be repurposed for connecting to an eMMC IC. Note that some pins may be labeled as SD/MMC but serve other functions (e.g., PCIe).

3. Consider USB Bridge Solutions:

   • If direct connections are not possible, consider using a USB bridge like the Microchip USB2642, which supports eMMC with all data lines. This allows the eMMC to be recognized as a USB device.
     • Reference: Microchip USB2642

4. Design Carrier Board Accordingly:

   • When designing your custom carrier board, ensure it accommodates any necessary components (like USB bridges) and follows best practices for power and signal integrity.

5. Check Compatibility Path:

   • If there is space on the board prepared for eMMC, consider including it in your design to ensure compatibility with future upgrades or versions of Jetson devices.

6. Engage with Community Forums:

   • Seek insights from community forums or Nvidia support channels regarding other users’ experiences with similar setups or configurations.

7. Document Findings and Solutions:

   • As you gather information and resolve issues, document your findings to assist others who may encounter similar challenges when working with eMMC on Jetson devices.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Users may need further clarification regarding specific design considerations or limitations related to using eMMC with the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Additional questions may arise about potential firmware or software configurations required for successful booting from eMMC.

By following these steps, users should be able to explore options for configuring eMMC booting on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices effectively.