Flashing L4T 35.4.1 to Orin Nano 4GB SOM Fails

Issue Overview

Users have reported difficulties flashing the L4T 35.4.1 firmware to the Jetson Orin Nano 4GB System on Module (SOM). The primary symptom is an error message indicating a timeout during USB write operations:

[   8.9259 ] ERROR: might be timeout in USB write.
Error: Return value 3

This issue occurs during the setup process when attempting to flash the device using both JetPack versions JP5.1.2 and JP5.1.3 via the NVIDIA SDK Manager. Users have noted that while they successfully flashed 48 out of 50 modules, two specific modules consistently fail, suggesting a potential hardware defect or incompatibility.

Context

• Hardware: Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit with a 4GB SOM.
• Software: JetPack versions JP5.1.2 and JP5.1.3.
• Frequency: The issue appears to be isolated to specific SOMs, as most users report successful flashing.
• Impact: Failure to flash prevents users from utilizing the device, significantly impacting development and project timelines.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Defects: The affected SOMs may have manufacturing defects or compatibility issues with the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.
2. Software Bugs: There may be unresolved bugs in the JetPack software that affect the flashing process.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or improper connections during the flashing process could lead to timeouts.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers might hinder communication between the host machine and the Jetson device.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or high ambient temperatures could contribute to instability during flashing.
6. User Errors: Misconfigurations or improper use of the SDK Manager could lead to failed attempts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Verify Connections:

   • Ensure that all physical connections are secure, especially USB cables and power supply.
   • Check that the board is in recovery mode by shorting the appropriate pins (typically pins 9 and 10).

2. Use Correct Software Versions:

   • Start with JetPack version JP5.1.2 for initial flashing, as it has been reported as more stable than later versions for some users.
   • If issues persist, attempt flashing with JP5.1.3.

3. Export Logs:

   • After each flash attempt, use the “EXPORT LOGS” feature in SDK Manager to gather relevant logs for troubleshooting.
   • Share both SDK Manager logs and UART logs together for better diagnostics.

4. Check for Firmware Updates:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of SDK Manager and that your host machine’s operating system is compatible (preferably Ubuntu 20.04).

5. Test Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If available, test with another working Orin Nano module to isolate whether the issue is specific to certain SOMs.

6. Contact Support for RMA:

   • If two out of fifty modules fail consistently, consider contacting NVIDIA support for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process.

Recommended Commands

To flash the module correctly after ensuring it is in recovery mode, use:

sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-qspi mmcblk1p1

Additional Resources

• Review NVIDIA’s official documentation on flashing procedures.
• Keep an eye on updates from NVIDIA regarding JetPack releases, as newer versions may resolve existing bugs.

Best Practices

• Always ensure your development environment is up-to-date before attempting firmware updates.
• Maintain a backup of working configurations and logs for reference in case of future issues.

Unresolved Aspects

• Further investigation may be needed into whether specific batches of SOMs have inherent defects.
• Continuous monitoring of community forums may provide insights into new solutions or workarounds as more users share their experiences.

By following these structured troubleshooting steps and solutions, users can effectively address issues related to flashing their Jetson Orin Nano devices while minimizing downtime and enhancing their development experience.