Jetson Linux 5.15 is missing exfat drivers

Issue Overview

The discussion centers around the absence of exFAT drivers in the Jetson Linux 5.15 kernel for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit. Users report difficulties in transferring large files between devices formatted with exFAT, which is increasingly common due to its compatibility with various operating systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux. The problem manifests during file transfers, particularly when users attempt to use larger drives formatted with exFAT.

Users have expressed frustration over the time-consuming process of compiling the kernel to enable this functionality, as many are not familiar with kernel modifications and seek a more straightforward solution. The lack of official support for exFAT has led to a significant impact on user experience, making it challenging to utilize the board effectively for learning and development purposes.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The Jetson Orin Nano may not have built-in support for exFAT, requiring manual kernel modifications.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Existing software versions may not include necessary drivers or may conflict with other installed modules.
• Configuration Errors: Users may not be aware of how to configure the kernel correctly to enable exFAT support.
• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could prevent proper recognition of exFAT file systems.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users unfamiliar with kernel compilation might misconfigure settings, leading to further complications.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Kernel Configuration:

   • Users can enable exFAT support through kernel configuration. Refer to the Kernel Customization section in the NVIDIA Jetson Linux Developer Guide for detailed steps on how to compile the kernel manually.

2. Building the Module:

   • Instead of recompiling the entire kernel, users can build the exFAT driver as a module:

     make menuconfig  # Navigate to Filesystems -> Miscellaneous Filesystems -> ExFAT
     make  # Compile the module
     sudo make modules_install  # Install the module
     sudo depmod -a  # Update module dependencies
     

3. Using Precompiled Modules:

   • If available, users can download precompiled exFAT modules from trusted sources or community repositories.

4. Testing Different Configurations:

   • Test with different configurations by using various SD cards or USB drives formatted with different file systems (e.g., FAT32, NTFS) to determine if the issue is specific to exFAT.

5. Documentation and Updates:

   • Regularly check for updates on JetPack versions, as newer releases may include improved support for file systems. For instance, JetPack 6 might provide better compatibility.

6. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums or NVIDIA support for additional guidance on compiling kernels and troubleshooting specific issues related to driver installation.

7. Best Practices:

   • Maintain backups of important data before modifying system files.
   • Document changes made during troubleshooting for future reference.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • The request for official support from NVIDIA remains unaddressed in this discussion thread, indicating a potential gap in user experience that could benefit from further investigation by NVIDIA developers.

By following these steps, users can navigate the complexities of enabling exFAT support on their Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit and enhance their development experience.