Jetson Orin Nano Boot Error – UEFI Interactive Shell and SD Card Not Detected

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board have reported a recurring issue where the device fails to detect the SD card during startup, leading to the UEFI interactive shell being displayed instead of booting into the operating system. This problem has been noted multiple times over several months, with one user specifically mentioning that it occurred for the fourth time in three months.

Symptoms and Context

• Symptoms: The device does not recognize the SD card at startup, directing users to the UEFI shell. Users have attempted to boot from file options without success, as only partitions related to QSPI/NOR memory are detected.

• Context: The problem arises during the boot process when users expect the system to load from an SD card containing Jetpack 6.0. The issue persists despite previous successful boots, indicating a potential inconsistency in hardware recognition.

• Hardware and Software Specifications:

  • Device: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
  • Firmware Version: 5.0-36094991
  • Operating System: Jetpack 6.0 on SD card

• Frequency: The issue has been reported intermittently, with users experiencing it multiple times over an extended period.

• Impact: This problem significantly affects user experience as it disrupts operations, especially for devices deployed in remote locations that require stable and continuous functionality.

Possible Causes

The following potential causes may contribute to the boot error experienced by users:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the SD card or its compatibility with the Jetson Orin Nano could lead to detection failures.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs within the firmware or Jetpack software that cause inconsistent boot behavior.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the UEFI boot order could lead to failures in recognizing the SD card.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder proper communication between the hardware and software components.

• Environmental Factors: External factors such as power supply inconsistencies or temperature fluctuations could affect device performance.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper setup of boot priorities or mismanagement of partitions could lead to detection issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the boot error on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, follow these troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Check SD Card Compatibility:

   • Ensure that the SD card is compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano. Consider using high-quality, high-capacity cards recommended for embedded systems.

2. Inspect Boot Order Configuration:

   • Access UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing a designated key).
   • Verify that the SD card is set as the primary boot option.
   • Save changes and exit UEFI setup.

3. Test with USB Drive:

   • As noted by users, connecting a USB drive can sometimes reset detection issues.
   • Try booting with a USB drive connected to see if this allows detection of the SD card.

4. Reflash Firmware and OS:

   • If issues persist, consider reflashing both the firmware and Jetpack OS.
   • Follow official Nvidia instructions for flashing firmware and installing Jetpack 6.0.

5. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Check for updates to drivers and firmware that may resolve known bugs.
   • Use Nvidia’s official resources for driver updates specific to your hardware configuration.

6. Monitor Environmental Factors:

   • Ensure that your device operates within recommended temperature ranges and that power supply is stable.

7. Document Any Error Messages:

   • If errors occur during these steps, document them for further analysis or support requests.

8. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights or similar experiences from other users.
   • Report persistent issues to Nvidia support for further assistance.

Recommended Approach

Connecting a USB drive before booting has been noted by multiple users as a successful workaround for temporarily resolving detection issues with the SD card. This method may serve as an interim solution while investigating more permanent fixes.

Unresolved Aspects

Further investigation may be required into whether this issue is related to specific firmware versions or if certain SD card models consistently fail to be recognized during boot. Users experiencing this issue should continue documenting their experiences for community support and potential escalation to Nvidia’s technical team.