How to Flash Multiple Jetson Orin Nano Using SDK Manager

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash multiple Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards simultaneously using the SDK Manager. The primary symptom reported is that, despite the SDK Manager recognizing multiple devices, only one board is successfully flashed at a time. This issue arises during the flashing process, specifically when users attempt to configure the SDK Manager for multiple devices.

The context of the problem indicates that users are trying to streamline their development process by flashing several boards concurrently, which is common in projects requiring multiple units for testing or deployment. The hardware involved includes multiple Jetson Orin Nano boards, while the software component is the Nvidia SDK Manager.

This issue appears to be consistent across different attempts, leading to frustration among users who need to set up multiple devices efficiently. The impact on user experience is significant, as it prolongs setup times and complicates workflows that depend on rapid deployment of multiple units.

Possible Causes

• SDK Manager Limitations: The SDK Manager does not support multiflash functionality for multiple Jetson Orin Nano boards simultaneously, which is a design limitation.

• Configuration Errors: Users may not be following the correct procedure outlined in the developer guide, leading to improper configuration during the flashing process.

• Driver Issues: If drivers are not updated or correctly installed, it may hinder the flashing process.

• User Errors: Misunderstandings regarding the capabilities of the SDK Manager could lead users to believe that multiflash is possible when it is not.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify SDK Manager Version:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of the SDK Manager. Updates may include enhancements or fixes relevant to device flashing.
   • Command to check version:

     sdkmanager --version
     

2. Consult Developer Guide:

   • Refer to the official Nvidia developer guide for instructions on flashing Jetson devices. It will provide detailed steps for single-device flashing and any notes about limitations regarding multiple devices.

3. Flashing Devices Individually:

   • Since multiflash is not supported, flash each Jetson Orin Nano one at a time using the following steps:
     • Connect one device at a time.
     • Launch SDK Manager and select your device.
     • Follow prompts to complete the flashing process.

4. Check for Driver Updates:

   • Ensure all necessary drivers are up-to-date before attempting to flash devices.
   • Use the following command to check for updates:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

5. Review Configuration Settings:

   • Double-check all configuration settings in the SDK Manager before starting the flash process to ensure they align with recommended practices.

6. Testing with Different USB Ports/Cables:

   • If issues persist, try using different USB ports or cables as faulty connections can also lead to problems during flashing.

7. Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Look for additional resources or community forums where other users may have shared their experiences or solutions related to this issue.

8. Future Prevention:

   • Familiarize yourself with limitations of tools like SDK Manager before beginning large-scale setups.
   • Keep abreast of updates from Nvidia regarding enhancements in their tools that may eventually support multiflash capabilities.

No unresolved aspects were noted in the discussion; however, users are encouraged to keep an eye on future updates from Nvidia that might address this limitation.