Flashing Bootloader Failed for Orin Nano Production Module

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues while attempting to flash the bootloader on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano production System on Module (SOM) with 8GB of RAM. The primary symptoms include the failure of the flashing process, accompanied by various error messages in the logs. This issue often occurs during the setup phase when users modify pinmux settings or attempt to use specific flash commands.

The problem has been reported consistently across different configurations, particularly when using the Orin Nano devkit carrier board with the production SOM. Users have shared multiple logs, indicating that the flashing process does not complete successfully, and in some cases, devices fail to reboot or show a "waiting for boot" message.

The impact of this issue is significant, as it prevents users from deploying their applications and utilizing the hardware effectively. Users have noted specific errors related to SKU recognition during re-flashing attempts after initial failures.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The production SOM may have compatibility issues with specific carrier boards or could be defective.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Known issues in certain software releases (e.g., rel-36.2) can lead to flashing failures.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect pinmux settings or other configuration parameters might disrupt the flashing process.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder communication between the host and the device during flashing.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or thermal conditions could affect the stability of the flashing process.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper command usage or misunderstanding of required parameters may lead to unsuccessful attempts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Board Configuration:

   • Ensure that you are using the correct board configuration string in your flash command. The name is less important than the content itself.

2. Check Serial Console Logs:

   • Collect and analyze UART serial console logs during the flash attempt to identify specific errors.
   • Use commands like dmesg to view kernel messages that may provide additional context on failures.

3. Test Flashing on Different Platforms:

   • If possible, test flashing on an NV devkit without any modifications to confirm if the issue is specific to your setup.
   • Use commands like:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

4. Use l4t_initrd_flash.sh Command:

   • Attempt to flash using l4t_initrd_flash.sh, which is designed for initializing and flashing bootloaders.
   • Example command:

     sudo ./l4t_initrd_flash.sh <options>
     

5. Complete Image Flashing:

   • If initial attempts fail, try flashing the entire board image along with QSPI memory before attempting to flash only the bootloader again.
   • Use:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

6. Revert to Previous Software Release:

   • If issues persist with rel-36.2, consider downgrading to rel-35.5, which has been reported to work successfully by other users.

7. Monitor Hardware Status:

   • Check for any hardware-related issues such as power supply stability and ensure that all connections are secure.
   • If no logs are visible during boot attempts, it may indicate a hardware failure rather than a software issue.

8. Address SKU Errors:

   • If encountering SKU errors, ensure that you are using a compatible module and check for any changes that might affect SKU recognition.
   • Review logs for indications of board ID and SKU readings.

9. Connect USB Devices During Flashing:

   • As a workaround for known issues in certain software releases, connect a USB device (like a mouse or keyboard) to the NV devkit during flashing.

10. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

    • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for specifics on flashing procedures and troubleshooting tips.
    • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to flashing the bootloader on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano production modules.