Jetson Orin Nano Boot Sequence Configuration

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board are experiencing confusion regarding the boot sequence configuration, particularly when attempting to set the SD card image as the primary boot option over a PCIe SSD. The main symptoms include:

• Uncertainty about how to configure the boot sequence to prioritize the SD card image.
• Questions about the availability of updated versions of the SD card image, as users have noted that the version mentioned in "Hello AI World" is dated (2020.10.21).
• Users are unsure if there are BIOS-like options available for changing boot settings, similar to those found in x86 systems.

This issue primarily arises during the setup phase and is relevant for users who have successfully installed an operating system image on a PCIe SSD but wish to utilize an SD card image instead. The impact on user experience can be significant, as improper configuration can prevent the desired boot sequence from being executed, leading to frustration and delays in development.

Possible Causes

The following potential causes could explain the issues users are facing:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If there are issues with the SD card or PCIe SSD, it could lead to boot failures or improper recognition of devices.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The software version installed may have bugs that affect boot sequence configurations.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the UEFI/BIOS menu could prevent proper boot order selection.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder the detection of boot devices.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or thermal conditions might affect hardware performance during boot.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users might not be following the correct steps to change boot settings.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issues related to configuring the boot sequence on the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Accessing UEFI Menu:

   • Restart your Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Press ESC when you see the UEFI logo during boot. This will take you to the UEFI menu.

2. Changing Boot Order:

   • Navigate to Boot Maintenance Manager.
   • Select Boot Options.
   • Choose Change Boot Order.
   • Set your desired boot device (e.g., SD card) as the first option, followed by PCIe SSD if necessary.

3. Verifying Installed Images:

   • Ensure that you have correctly installed both the PCIe SSD image and any desired SD card image.
   • If you need an updated SD card image, download it from this link: Latest SD Card Image.

4. Testing Boot Configurations:

   • After changing settings in UEFI, save and exit.
   • Test if the board boots from the SD card as intended.
   • If it does not work, repeat accessing UEFI and ensure that changes were saved correctly.

5. Driver Updates:

   • Ensure all drivers are up-to-date by checking Nvidia’s official resources for any updates related to Jetson Orin Nano.

6. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly check for firmware updates and ensure your images are up-to-date before installation.
   • Document any changes made in UEFI settings for future reference.

7. Further Investigation:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider reaching out to Nvidia’s support forums or checking for any community solutions regarding similar problems.

By following these steps systematically, users should be able to configure their Jetson Orin Nano Dev board’s boot sequence effectively.