How to Enable PCIe3 on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties with the detection of a Wi-Fi module connected to the PCIe3 slot of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Board. The symptoms include:

• Detection Failure: The Wi-Fi module does not appear in the output of the lspci command when connected to PCIe3, indicating that it is not recognized by the system.
• Successful Detection Elsewhere: When the same module is connected to a different PCIe slot on the Orin Nano, it is detected without issues, suggesting that the module itself is functional.

The problem occurs during the setup phase when users attempt to enable and utilize PCIe3 for additional peripherals. Relevant hardware specifications include the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano board and the specific Wi-Fi module in question. The issue appears to be consistent, as multiple users have reported similar experiences.

This problem significantly impacts user experience by limiting connectivity options and functionality of the development board, particularly for projects requiring wireless communication.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes may lead to this detection issue:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The PCIe3 slot may have compatibility issues with certain devices or configurations.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There could be bugs in the firmware or drivers that prevent proper recognition of devices connected to PCIe3.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in configuration files may lead to PCIe3 not being enabled or recognized properly.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could impede the detection of devices on this specific PCIe slot.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect performance and detection capabilities.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper setup or connection procedures by users may lead to detection failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the detection issue with PCIe3 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure that the Wi-Fi module is properly seated in the PCIe3 slot.
   • Check for any visible damage on both the module and the slot.

2. Check System Configuration:

   • Review and modify configuration files as follows:
     • Open p3767.conf.common and ensure it contains:

       ODMDATA="gbe-uphy-config-9,hsstp-lane-map-3,hsio-uphy-config-0";
       

     • Verify entries in cvb/tegra234-p3509-a02-pcie.dtsi for PCIe3:

       pcie@141e0000 { /* C7x1 node */
           status = "okay";
           phys = <&p2u_gbe_0>;
           phy-names = "p2u-0";
       };
       

3. Run Diagnostic Commands:

   • Execute lspci to check if any devices are detected on PCIe3.
   • Use dmesg | grep pcie to look for error messages related to PCIe initialization.

4. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for your Wi-Fi module.
   • Check for firmware updates for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano board.

5. Test Different Configurations:

   • If possible, test with another known working Wi-Fi module in PCIe3.
   • Experiment with different power supply configurations to rule out power-related issues.

6. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for specific guidelines on enabling and configuring PCIe slots.

7. Community Feedback:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights or similar experiences from other users.

8. Best Practices:

   • Regularly update your system software and drivers.
   • Keep a backup of configuration files before making changes.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the detection issue with PCIe3 on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Board. If problems persist, further investigation into hardware compatibility and support from Nvidia may be necessary.