Display Stops Working at Times

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing display issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, specifically a greenish display with flickering during boot. This issue has been reported to occur intermittently, with the display recovering on its own after a few moments. The problem manifests during the boot process, where the screen initially shows the Nvidia logo before transitioning to an unstable state. The relevant hardware and software specifications include:

• Driver Version: N/A
• CUDA Version: 12.2
• Jetpack Version: 6.0 DP (Developer Preview)
• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish
• Kernel Version: 5.15.122-tegra

The issue has been reported multiple times, indicating a potential consistency, although some users have found temporary solutions through driver updates or configuration changes. The impact of this problem is significant, as it affects the usability of the device during setup and operation.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this display issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Custom boards may not be fully compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, leading to intermittent display failures.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Using a developer preview version of Jetpack may introduce instability or bugs that affect display output.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration files or settings (e.g., DTB files) can lead to improper initialization of the display hardware.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may fail to support the required display functionalities.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could contribute to display instability.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect connections or settings by users can lead to display problems.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the display issue on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Connections:

   • Ensure that all cables (DisplayPort, HDMI) are securely connected.
   • If using adapters (e.g., DP to HDMI), confirm they are compatible and functioning.

2. Check Driver Installation:

   • Run the following command to check installed driver versions:

     nvidia-smi
     

   • If drivers are not correctly installed, consider updating them:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install nvidia-driver-<version>
     

3. Reflash Jetpack:

   • Use the SDK Manager to reflash the Jetson Orin Nano with a stable version of Jetpack (consider downgrading to Jetpack 5.x if issues persist with 6.x).
   • Follow these steps:
     • Connect the board in recovery mode.
     • Launch SDK Manager and select the appropriate version for your device.

4. Review Configuration Files:

   • Ensure that you are using the correct configuration files for your specific board setup.
   • Check for any hardcoded settings in your .config file that may not apply to your hardware.

5. Test Different Display Outputs:

   • If possible, test with different monitors or cables to rule out compatibility issues.
   • Use only native DisplayPort connections or active DP-HDMI adapters for best results.

6. Monitor System Logs:

   • Check system logs for errors related to display initialization:

     dmesg | grep nvidia
     

   • Review Xorg logs for any indication of failures during boot:

     cat /var/log/Xorg.0.log
     

7. Update Firmware and Drivers:

   • Ensure that you have the latest firmware updates for your board.
   • Regularly check for driver updates from Nvidia’s official site.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always use stable versions of software and firmware unless testing new features.
   • Regularly back up configuration files before making changes.
   • Keep documentation handy for troubleshooting common issues.

9. Recommended Approach:

   • Users have reported success after updating Nvidia drivers and reflashing Jetpack; this is a highly recommended approach based on user feedback.

10. Unresolved Aspects:

    • Some users continue to experience issues even after following these steps, indicating potential deeper hardware defects or incompatibilities that require further investigation.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve their display issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board effectively.