How to Shorten Boot Time on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board have reported experiencing significantly long boot times, particularly when using custom carrier boards. The system remains in the UEFI interface for several minutes before transitioning to the desktop environment, with one user noting a boot duration of approximately two minutes and thirty seconds. This prolonged boot time is problematic as it impacts usability, especially for applications requiring quick startup.

The issue appears to arise during the initial boot sequence and is exacerbated by network startup configurations. Users have attempted to disable network startup without achieving satisfactory results. The problem seems consistent across various setups, indicating that it may not be isolated to a specific hardware configuration or software version.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Custom carrier boards may not be fully compatible with the Orin Nano module, leading to delays during initialization.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be underlying software issues within the UEFI firmware or operating system that contribute to longer boot times.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the UEFI menu, such as enabled PXE/HTTP boot options, can prolong startup sequences.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with hardware initialization processes.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or temperature variations may affect system performance during boot.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings that lead to extended boot times.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Gather System Information:

   • Enable timestamp logging on the serial console to capture detailed boot information. This can help identify specific delays in the boot process.

2. Check UEFI Settings:

   • Access the UEFI menu and remove PXE/HTTP as a boot device. This can prevent unnecessary delays associated with network initialization.

3. Compare Boot Times:

   • If possible, compare the boot time of your custom carrier board with that of the official devkit board. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your setup.

4. Apply Patches:

   • If encountering issues like "Phy Initialization failed," apply any relevant patches suggested by community members, such as those mentioned in forum discussions.

5. Optimize Startup Programs:

   • Review and optimize startup programs and services. Disabling unnecessary features can lead to faster boot times.

6. Testing Different Configurations:

   • Experiment with different hardware configurations or software setups to isolate the cause of delays. This includes testing with minimal peripherals connected.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any firmware updates or driver patches that may address known issues related to boot times.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia and maintain a backup of working configurations before making changes.
   • Document any modifications made during troubleshooting for future reference.

9. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have experienced similar issues.

If multiple users report success with a particular solution, such as disabling network startup or applying specific patches, these approaches should be highlighted as recommended practices for resolving long boot times on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.