Boot Slot Turning to Unbootable Due to Thermal Shutdown

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board are experiencing a critical issue where the boot slot becomes unbootable due to thermal shutdowns. This problem primarily occurs during outdoor operations where the device is exposed to high temperatures. Symptoms include the system entering recovery mode after multiple thermal shutdowns, necessitating a serial communication interface to recover the device. The issue has been reported consistently, indicating a significant impact on user experience and functionality, particularly in applications requiring reliability in hot environments. Users have expressed concerns about how to avoid entering recovery mode after thermal shutdowns and whether there is a way to implement a delay between reboots to mitigate the problem.

Possible Causes

1. Thermal Overload: High ambient temperatures can exceed the operational limits of the Jetson Orin module, leading to automatic shutdowns to protect the hardware.
2. Hardware Incompatibilities: Use of inadequate cooling solutions or improperly designed enclosures may fail to dissipate heat effectively.
3. Software Bugs: Issues within the Jetpack software or firmware could lead to improper thermal management.
4. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings related to power management or thermal thresholds may exacerbate overheating issues.
5. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may not support effective fan control, leading to overheating.
6. Environmental Factors: Operating in direct sunlight or confined spaces without proper ventilation can significantly increase temperature.
7. User Errors: Misconfigurations during setup or operation may lead to unintended thermal shutdowns.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnose Thermal Issues:

   • Monitor temperature using built-in sensors or external tools.
   • Check for any visible signs of overheating (e.g., discoloration, burnt components).

2. Gather System Information:

   • Use serial console commands to retrieve logs:

     sudo dmesg | grep -i thermal
     

   • Confirm Jetpack version and board configuration:

     jetson_release
     

3. Isolate the Issue:

   • Test with different power supplies or batteries that meet specification requirements.
   • Experiment with various cooling solutions (e.g., fans, heatsinks) to assess improvement.

4. Implement Delays Between Reboots:

   • Modify boot scripts or use watchdog timers to introduce delays after shutdowns:

     echo "30" > /proc/sys/kernel/hotplug
     

5. Firmware and Driver Updates:

   • Ensure all firmware is up-to-date by following Nvidia’s documentation for updating bootloaders and drivers.

6. Cooling Solutions:

   • Consider adding additional cooling mechanisms such as heat sinks or active cooling fans.
   • Ensure that the device is housed in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Design enclosures that promote airflow and heat dissipation.
   • Regularly check for software updates from Nvidia that address known thermal issues.

8. Documentation and Support Links:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s Thermal Design Guide for specific temperature thresholds and management practices.
   • Access Nvidia forums for community-driven solutions and experiences.

9. Unresolved Areas:

   • Further investigation may be needed regarding specific firmware versions that exacerbate thermal issues.
   • User reports on long-term effectiveness of various cooling solutions remain anecdotal and require more systematic testing.

By following these steps, users can better manage thermal issues with their Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards, enhancing reliability in demanding environments.