Error flashing Jetson Orin Nano (8GB) evm for A/B partition

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties while attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano (8GB) development board with the R35.4.1 version. The primary symptom reported is an error that occurs during the flashing process, specifically when trying to boot from NVMe and enable A/B partitions for Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. This issue arises while following the steps outlined in the README_initrd_flash.txt, particularly workflow #5.

The error message indicates that while certain files are successfully written to the QSPI memory, the process fails at the point of flashing non-QSPI storage. The specific error output includes a reference to an unexpected end sector for the application, which suggests a potential mismatch in expected versus actual storage configurations.

The context of this problem occurs during the setup phase when users are trying to prepare their boards for use with NVMe storage. Users have reported varying experiences, with some succeeding using different scripts (like nvsdkmanager_flash.sh), while others consistently encounter failures with l4t_initrd_flash.sh. The issue appears to impact user experience significantly, as it prevents successful booting and configuration of the development board.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the NVMe SSD is not compatible or defective, it could lead to issues during the flashing process, causing errors when attempting to write data.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the flashing scripts or conflicts between versions of software being used, particularly if users are mixing different workflows or scripts.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the flashing command or XML files could result in errors during the flashing process.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for the NVMe SSD could lead to failures when trying to access or write data to it.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect the performance of the board and lead to failures during critical operations like flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently make mistakes in command syntax or file paths, leading to unsuccessful attempts at flashing.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Compatibility:

   • Ensure that the NVMe SSD being used is compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano board.
   • Check physical connections and ensure that the SSD is properly seated in its slot.

2. Check Flashing Command Syntax:

   • Review the command being used for flashing:

     sudo ROOTFS_AB=1 ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1 -S 70GiB -c ./tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_nvme_rootfs_ab.xml jetson-orin-nano-devkit external
     

   • Ensure that all parameters are correct and match your hardware specifications.

3. Inspect XML Configuration File:

   • Validate the contents of flash_l4t_nvme_rootfs_ab.xml for any discrepancies that might affect flashing.
   • Compare this file against known working configurations if available.

4. Use Alternative Flashing Scripts:

   • If l4t_initrd_flash.sh continues to fail, consider using nvsdkmanager_flash.sh, which has reportedly worked for some users.
   • Follow this command structure:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/nvsdkmanager_flash.sh <options>
     

5. Check System Logs:

   • Review logs generated during the flash attempt for more detailed error messages.
   • Look specifically for entries related to storage access errors or sector mismatches.

6. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Ensure that all drivers related to NVMe storage are up-to-date.
   • Check for any firmware updates available for both the Jetson board and NVMe SSD.

7. Test with Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If possible, test with another NVMe SSD to rule out hardware issues.
   • Alternatively, try using a different storage method (e.g., eMMC) temporarily to see if flashing succeeds.

8. Monitor Environmental Conditions:

   • Ensure that power supply is stable and within specifications.
   • Keep an eye on temperature levels during operation; overheating can cause unexpected behavior.

9. Seek Further Assistance:

   • If problems persist after following these steps, consider reaching out on forums dedicated to Nvidia Jetson products or opening a new support thread if necessary.

10. Document Findings:

    • Keep a log of any changes made and results observed during troubleshooting for future reference.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues encountered while flashing their Jetson Orin Nano boards.