Failure in creating release image

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to create a release image on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. The main symptoms include:

• An inability to generate the release image, specifically when executing the command sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh.
• Errors such as "failed to read rcm_state" and "failed to generate images" during the flashing process.
• The issue occurs while using Jetpack version 5.1.1 and L4T R335.3.1, particularly when the board is expected to be in recovery mode.

The hardware involved is the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, and the software specifications include the mentioned Jetpack and L4T versions. The problem appears consistently across attempts, significantly impacting the user experience by preventing successful deployment of applications or system updates.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: If there are issues with the connection or configuration of the Orin board, it may not enter recovery mode correctly.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The specific versions of Jetpack or L4T being used may have bugs that affect image creation.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect parameters in the flash command could lead to failures in generating images.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent successful communication between the host machine and the Jetson board.

• Environmental Factors: Problems such as insufficient power supply or overheating could impact performance during flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Mistakes in command syntax or incorrect paths could lead to issues during the flashing process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue of failing to create a release image, follow these comprehensive steps:

1. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure that the Jetson Orin board is properly connected to your host machine.
   • Verify that it is indeed in recovery mode by checking LED indicators.

2. Run Diagnostic Commands:

   • Execute the following command to see if you encounter similar errors:

     sudo ./flash.sh --no-systemimg -c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml <board name> internal
     

3. Verify Software Versions:

   • Confirm that you are using compatible versions of Jetpack and L4T. If necessary, consider updating to a newer version if available.

4. Review Command Syntax:

   • Double-check your flash command for any syntax errors or incorrect paths. Ensure that all directories exist as specified in your command.

5. Update Drivers:

   • Ensure that all necessary drivers are up-to-date on your host machine. This includes USB drivers and any relevant Nvidia software.

6. Inspect Power Supply:

   • Make sure that your power supply is adequate for the Jetson Orin Nano, as insufficient power can lead to instability during flashing.

7. Check for Environmental Issues:

   • Ensure that the operating environment is not overheating and that there is sufficient ventilation for both the host machine and the Jetson board.

8. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any specific requirements regarding flashing images on the Jetson Orin Nano.

9. Reboot and Retry:

   • After making any changes, reboot both your host machine and the Jetson Orin board, then attempt the flashing process again.

10. Seek Community Support:

    • If problems persist, consider posting detailed logs and error messages on forums like Nvidia Developer Forums for further assistance from community members.

By following these troubleshooting steps, users should be able to identify and resolve issues related to creating a release image on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.