Boot error after UEFI firmware update

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board are encountering boot errors following a UEFI firmware upgrade from version 3.x to 5.0. The primary symptoms include an inability to boot from previously functional memory cards after the firmware update. This issue typically arises when users insert a new SD card with JetPack 5.x, which automatically triggers the UEFI firmware upgrade.

Key points regarding the issue include:

• Symptoms: Failure to boot from old memory cards post-upgrade.
• Context: The problem occurs after upgrading the UEFI firmware, specifically when using new SD cards with JetPack 5.x.
• Hardware/Software Specifications: Users have reported running UEFI firmware version 5.0 on the Jetson Orin Nano.
• Frequency: This issue appears to be consistent among users who have upgraded their firmware.
• Impact: The inability to boot affects user experience significantly, as it prevents access to the system and its functionalities.
• Additional Context: Users are seeking methods to downgrade the UEFI firmware back to version 3.x.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this boot error can be identified:

• Firmware Compatibility: The new UEFI firmware (5.0) may not support older memory cards or configurations, leading to boot failures.

• Upgrade Process Issues: If the upgrade process was not completed correctly, it could result in a corrupted firmware state.

• Driver Conflicts: New drivers associated with JetPack 5.x may not be compatible with older hardware configurations.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the UEFI configuration post-upgrade could prevent successful booting.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could exacerbate boot problems after a firmware update.

• User Errors: Misconfigurations during the upgrade process or incorrect usage of commands may lead to these issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the boot error following the UEFI firmware update, users can follow these troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Confirm Current Firmware Version:

   • Run the following command to check the current UEFI version:

     cat /etc/nv_tegra_release
     

   • Ensure that it returns version 5.0 as expected.

2. Attempt Downgrade of UEFI Firmware:

   • Use the flash command to attempt downgrading back to UEFI firmware 3.x. The command syntax typically looks like this:

     sudo ./flash.sh <board_name> <image_file>
     

   • Replace <board_name> with your specific board identifier and <image_file> with the path to your desired UEFI image file.

3. Use Recovery Mode:

   • If unable to boot normally, consider using recovery mode. Connect the board via USB and follow recovery instructions specific to Jetson devices.

4. Test Different Memory Cards:

   • Try booting from different SD cards that have been confirmed working with previous versions of JetPack or UEFI firmware.

5. Check for Firmware Updates:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack and any associated drivers that may resolve compatibility issues.

6. Review Configuration Settings:

   • Inspect and reset any custom UEFI settings that may have been altered during the upgrade process.

7. Consult Documentation for Further Guidance:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation regarding UEFI upgrades and downgrades for more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.

8. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users who faced similar issues.

9. Best Practices for Future Upgrades:

   • Always back up existing configurations and data before performing firmware upgrades.
   • Test new SD cards with current setups before committing to upgrades.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the boot error associated with their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board after a UEFI firmware update. If issues persist, further investigation into specific hardware configurations or reaching out for professional support may be necessary.