Boot Crash on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano with Basic Flavor Root File System

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing boot crashes on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano when using the Basic Flavor Root File System. The main symptoms and context of the issue include:

• Symptoms: The system displays a kernel panic message during boot, specifically when switching from the initial RAM disk (initrd) to the actual root filesystem. The error message indicates an attempt to kill the init process, leading to a non-responsive state.

• Context: This issue occurs during the boot process after users attempt to build and flash a custom root filesystem. It is particularly relevant for those using the Basic Flavor Root File System without a graphical desktop environment.

• Hardware/Software Specifications: The discussion mentions the use of JetPack 6.3 and references specific commands for building and flashing the root filesystem. Users are working with the Nvidia Orin Nano 4G development board.

• Frequency: This problem appears to be a common occurrence among users who are customizing their root filesystems or transitioning from initrd to rootfs.

• Impact on User Experience: The inability to boot successfully prevents users from utilizing their devices for development or deployment, significantly hindering productivity.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the boot crash issue:

• Invalid Initrd Configuration: The initrd may not be correctly configured to pivot to the new root filesystem, causing a failure during the transition.

• Root Filesystem Issues: There may be problems with how the Basic Flavor Root File System was built or flashed, leading to incompatibilities or missing components.

• Kernel Panic Triggers: The kernel panic could be triggered by missing files, incorrect permissions, or misconfigured system parameters in the root filesystem.

• User Errors During Setup: Incorrect execution of commands or steps while building or flashing the root filesystem could lead to incomplete installations.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve boot crashes on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano when using the Basic Flavor Root File System, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Review Boot Logs:

   • Analyze serial console logs for any errors related to mounting filesystems or transitions between initrd and rootfs. This can provide insights into what is causing the panic.

2. Verify Initrd Configuration:

   • Ensure that your initrd is correctly configured to pivot_root to your new filesystem. Modifications may be needed if it does not point correctly.

3. Rebuild Root Filesystem:

   • If issues persist, consider rebuilding your Basic Flavor Root File System using these commands:

     sudo apt-get install docker.io
     sudo docker run --privileged -it --rm -v <your_L4T_root>/Linux_for_Tegra:/l4t ubuntu:22.04
     # Inside Docker container
     apt-get update
     apt-get install -y qemu-user-static wget sudo bzip2
     cd /l4t/tools/samplefs
     ./nv_build_samplefs.sh --abi aarch64 --distro ubuntu --flavor basic --version jammy
     exit
     sudo tar -xpf ~/nvidia/Linux_for_Tegra/tools/samplefs ~/nvidia/Linux_for_Tegra/rootfs
     

4. Follow Flashing Steps Carefully:

   • Ensure you execute all necessary flashing commands correctly:

     sudo ./apply_binaries.sh
     sudo ./tools/l4t_create_default_user.sh -u ys -p 123456
     sudo ./tools/l4t_flash_prerequisites.sh
     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 \
       -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml \
       -p "-c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" \
       --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

5. Check User Creation Script:

   • Ensure that you have created a default user by running l4t_create_default_user.sh before flashing, as this can affect system initialization.

6. Test Minimal Flavor Root File System:

   • If issues continue with the Basic Flavor, consider testing with the Minimal Flavor Root File System, which some users reported working without issues after flashing.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for additional guidance on building and flashing root filesystems for Jetson devices.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Users may still face unique issues based on specific configurations or modifications made during setup. Further investigation may be required for persistent problems not addressed in common solutions.

By following these steps, users should be able to troubleshoot and resolve boot crashes associated with using the Basic Flavor Root File System on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano.