Flashing Issues with Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 8G on Custom Board

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 8G on a custom board. The flashing process gets stuck at a specific point, preventing successful completion. This issue appears to be related to the PCIe interface, specifically the PCIe C4 connection. The problem occurs during the flashing process and impacts the ability to set up and use the Jetson Orin Nano 8G on custom hardware.

Possible Causes

1. Custom Board Design Issues: The most likely cause is a problem with the custom board design, particularly in the PCIe circuitry.

2. PCIe Interface Faults: There may be issues with the PCIe bus on the mainboard or the NVMe interface.

3. Hardware Incompatibilities: The custom board may have incompatibilities with the Jetson Orin Nano 8G module.

4. Circuit Manufacturing Defects: Missing parts or open circuits in the PCIe circuit during the production of the base plate could lead to this issue.

5. Incorrect Wiring: Despite following the official schematic diagram, there might be wiring problems on the circuit board.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify PCIe C4 Connection:

   • Check the PCIe C4 pins on your custom board.
   • Refer to the design guide screenshot for the correct PCIe ctrl#4 (C4) pin configuration.

2. Test with Developer Kit:

   • Try flashing the same module on the official developer kit to isolate the issue.
   • If successful, this confirms a problem with the custom board design.

3. Inspect Custom Board PCIe Circuit:

   • Carefully examine the PCIe circuit for any missing components or open circuits.
   • Compare the actual board layout with the official schematic diagram.

4. Verify M.2 Interface:

   • Ensure the M.2 interface for connecting the SSD is properly implemented.
   • Check for any bent pins or improper connections.

5. Review Official Schematic:

   • Double-check that the custom board design strictly follows the Nvidia official schematic diagram.
   • Pay special attention to the PCIe and NVMe-related sections.

6. Inspect Manufacturing Quality:

   • Examine the board for any manufacturing defects, such as solder bridges or missing components.
   • Consider having the board professionally inspected or X-rayed if possible.

7. Consult Nvidia Documentation:

   • Review the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Design Guide for any specific requirements or recommendations for custom boards.

8. Isolate USB-related Issues:

   • Note that the problem is related to PCIe, not USB. Ensure you’re not confusing Universal Serial Bus (USB) with PCIe in your troubleshooting.

9. Seek Professional Assistance:

   • If the issue persists after trying these steps, consider consulting with a hardware engineer specializing in embedded systems or reaching out to Nvidia support for advanced troubleshooting.

10. Consider Board Redesign:

    • If all else fails, you may need to revisit the custom board design, focusing on the PCIe implementation and ensuring full compatibility with the Jetson Orin Nano 8G specifications.