Continual Problems with Nvidia Jetson Orin Nanos After Sudden Reboots

Issue Overview

Users have reported recurrent issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano boards, specifically related to sudden reboots during the execution of AI inference scripts. The symptoms include:

• Sudden Reboots: The devices reboot unexpectedly while running custom CNN scripts for object detection.
• Post-Reboot Errors: After rebooting, users encounter various errors that were not present prior, including CUDA initialization failures and package management errors.
• Inconsistent Behavior: Errors differ across devices; some function normally after rebooting while others do not.
• Context of Occurrence: The problems primarily arise when transitioning from basic streaming/recording to more complex AI tasks.
• Frequency: The issue appears sporadically, affecting multiple units in a deployment of eight devices.
• Impact on Functionality: These issues hinder the ability to run critical applications and affect overall user experience.

The specific error messages include:

1. CUDA initialization failure with error: 100.
2. Fatal error during package management indicating file system issues.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes may contribute to the observed problems:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: There may be issues with specific hardware configurations or defects in the boards themselves, particularly with third-party carrier boards.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Bugs in the JetPack or TensorRT software could lead to instability when executing complex scripts.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in software configurations or environmental setups may trigger reboots.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could cause system instability during intensive tasks.

• Environmental Factors: Overheating due to inadequate cooling or power supply issues might lead to unexpected behavior.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect setup procedures or script configurations may result in errors that lead to reboots.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issues experienced with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano boards, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Diagnose the Problem:

   • Check system logs for any indications of hardware or software failures using:

     dmesg | grep -i error
     

   • Monitor system temperatures and ensure adequate cooling is provided:

     cat /sys/class/thermal/thermal_zone0/temp
     

2. Gather System Information:

   • Collect detailed information about the environment and configurations:

     uname -a
     dpkg -l | grep nvidia
     

3. Isolate the Issue:

   • Test each Jetson board individually to determine if the problem is specific to certain units.
   • Run simplified versions of your scripts to see if they execute without causing reboots.

4. Update Software and Drivers:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack and TensorRT. Update using SDK Manager:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

5. Fix Configuration Issues:

   • Review and correct any configuration files related to your scripts or system settings.
   • Consider resetting configurations to default settings as a troubleshooting step.

6. Reflash the Device:

   • If issues persist, consider reflashing the device with a stable version of JetPack (e.g., JetPack 5.x) instead of using developer preview versions.

7. Check Power Supply:

   • Verify that your power supply meets the requirements for the Jetson Orin Nano, as insufficient power can cause instability.

8. Prevent Future Issues:

   • Implement best practices such as regular software updates, proper cooling mechanisms, and monitoring tools to catch potential issues early.

9. Documentation & Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting guidance and driver updates [Nvidia Developer Forums].

10. Recommended Approaches:

    • Users have reported success by running simpler scripts before gradually increasing complexity, allowing for identification of specific triggers for reboots.

Unresolved aspects include understanding why certain devices fail while others do not under similar conditions; further investigation into hardware compatibility may be necessary.