Flashing Issues with Nvidia Jetson Orin NX Dev Kit

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties flashing the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX 16GB development kit, particularly when attempting to install JetPack 6.0 using the SDK Manager. The symptoms include:

• Flashing Stuck at 99%: Many users report that the flashing process halts at 99%, failing to complete and resulting in a non-functional system.
• Boot Errors: After attempted flashes, users observe boot errors, including messages indicating failure to initialize the partition table from GPT and issues related to QSPI memory.
• Inconsistent Behavior: Some users have reported success when switching to Ubuntu 20.04 from Ubuntu 22.04, while others remain unsuccessful regardless of the OS version.
• No UART Output: Following unsuccessful flashing attempts, there are reports of no UART output or signs of life from the device.
• Hardware Specifications: The issue occurs with setups involving an NVMe SSD and various host systems, including Intel and AMD CPUs.

The problem appears to be consistent across multiple users, indicating a broader issue with the flashing process or compatibility with specific hardware configurations.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities: The use of different CPU architectures (Intel vs. AMD) may affect the flashing process, as noted by one user who succeeded with an Intel CPU but failed with an AMD setup.
2. Software Bugs: Users have reported that JetPack 6.0 is still in a developer preview stage, which may lead to instability and bugs during installation.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during the flashing process, such as not properly entering recovery mode or using incompatible OS versions, can lead to failures.
4. Driver Issues: Potential conflicts or bugs in the drivers associated with JetPack 6.0 may contribute to the observed problems.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could also impact the device’s ability to flash and boot correctly.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Environment:

   • Use a host machine running Ubuntu 20.04 for better compatibility.
   • Ensure that all necessary dependencies for SDK Manager are installed.

2. Install SDK Manager:

   • Download and install the latest version of SDK Manager compatible with your OS.

3. Enter Recovery Mode:

   • Connect your Jetson device via USB-C and ensure it is in recovery mode by following these steps:
     • Connect pins 9 and 10 on the module (ensure correct pin connections).
     • Power on while holding the recovery button.

4. Flash Using SDK Manager:

   • Launch SDK Manager and select your target device (Jetson Orin NX).
   • Choose JetPack version 5.x first before attempting JetPack 6.x.
   • Monitor the flashing process closely for errors; if it hangs at 99%, note any error messages displayed.

5. Check UART Output:

   • Connect a serial-to-USB adapter to monitor UART output during boot attempts.
   • Look for error messages related to GPT initialization or QSPI issues.

6. Alternative Flashing Methods:

   • If SDK Manager fails consistently, consider using command-line tools for flashing:

     sudo ./flash.sh <board_type> <rootfs>
     

   • Refer to official Nvidia documentation for command-line options.

7. Revert to Previous Versions:

   • If persistent issues occur with JetPack 6.x, revert to JetPack 5.x as it has shown more stability in some user reports.

8. Log Collection for Further Support:

   • Export logs from SDK Manager and any UART outputs during flashing attempts for further analysis if issues persist.

Recommended Approaches

• Users have reported success by using an older Intel-based laptop with a fresh install of Ubuntu 20.04 and flashing first with JetPack 5.x before upgrading to JetPack 6.x.
• Ensure that you are using a compatible NVMe SSD as some users experienced issues with specific SSD models.

Best Practices

• Always perform flashing operations in a controlled environment where power supply is stable.
• Keep your software stack updated but consider sticking with stable releases over developer previews unless necessary for specific features.
• Regularly check Nvidia forums for updates on known issues and fixes related to your hardware and software configurations.

Unresolved Aspects

• Some users continue to experience unresolved issues related to specific hardware combinations or configurations that require further investigation from Nvidia support or community forums.

By following these guidelines, users can troubleshoot and potentially resolve their flashing issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX development kit effectively.