Flashing Error on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Custom Board

Issue Overview

Users have reported difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 4GB on a custom board utilizing NVMe storage. The primary symptom is that the flashing process halts at the message "waiting for target to boot-up." This issue arises during the setup phase, particularly when using the SDK Manager or command-line tools. Users have noted that the expected USB NCM (Network Control Model) interface, which is necessary for successful flashing, does not appear on the host system. The custom board is designed with a USB Micro-B recovery port, differing from the USB-C port found on standard development kits. This discrepancy in design could lead to compatibility issues with existing flashing tools and methods.

The problem seems to be consistent among multiple users, indicating a potential flaw in either hardware design or software configuration. The inability to complete the flashing process significantly impacts user experience, preventing them from utilizing the Orin Nano for development and testing purposes.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The custom board’s design may not fully support the required USB interfaces for flashing, leading to failures in establishing necessary connections.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues within the SDK Manager or related software tools could hinder the flashing process.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the device tree or flashing scripts may prevent proper communication between the host and target device.
• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers for USB interfaces could result in failure to recognize necessary connections.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating could affect performance during flashing.
• User Errors: Misconfigurations during setup or improper use of commands may lead to unsuccessful attempts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure all physical connections are secure and correctly configured according to the design specifications.

2. Adjust Device Tree:

   • Modify the device tree to ensure it reflects the correct USB OTG setup as per Nvidia’s guidelines. Refer to the Jetson Module Adaptation and Bring-Up Guide.

3. Use Correct Flashing Commands:

   • Execute the following command for flashing:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -p "-c ./bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" -c ./tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_t234_nvme.xml --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit nvme0n1p1
     

4. Ensure Recovery Mode Activation:

   • Place the board into recovery mode by connecting specific pins as outlined in Nvidia’s documentation. This step is crucial for allowing the SDK Manager to detect the board.

5. Use Stable Software Versions:

   • It is recommended to use JetPack 5.x versions instead of JetPack 6.x, which is still in developer preview. Users have reported fewer issues with JetPack 5.x.

6. Export Logs for Debugging:

   • If errors persist, use the “EXPORT LOGS” feature in SDK Manager to gather diagnostic information and seek further assistance from community forums.

7. Test with Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If possible, test with another NVMe drive or a different custom board design to isolate whether hardware is at fault.

8. Consult Documentation and Community Support:

   • Regularly refer to Nvidia’s official documentation and community forums for updates on known issues and fixes related to your specific hardware configuration.

9. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Always ensure that firmware and software are up-to-date before starting any development work.
   • Regularly back up configurations and logs to facilitate troubleshooting.

10. Recommended Approach:

    • Several users have found success after customizing their device trees according to Nvidia’s specifications; therefore, this should be prioritized.

By following these steps, users should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve issues related to flashing their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano on custom boards effectively.