Jetson Orin Nano: Cannot Boot After Flashing

Issue Overview

Users are facing issues when attempting to flash the Jetson Orin Nano with a new image. The device initially displays the NVIDIA logo but fails to proceed further, resulting in a black screen. This issue has arisen during recent flashing attempts, despite previous successful operations. Users have also encountered problems with SSH connectivity and device recognition, complicating the troubleshooting process.

Relevant Hardware and Software Specifications

• Device: Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 (attempted)
• Flashing Method: Image written to an SD card using tools like dd or Balena Etcher.
• JetPack Version: 5.1.3

Symptoms

• The device shows the NVIDIA logo but then hangs, resulting in a black screen.
• Users report that the system does not respond after the boot menu is displayed.
• Inability to establish SSH connections after flashing.

Possible Causes

1. Incompatible Image: The downloaded image may not be compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, leading to boot failures.
2. Incorrect Flashing Procedure: Errors during the flashing process or using an incomplete image could prevent successful booting.
3. Missing Bootloader Updates: If the QSPI bootloader has not been updated, it may fail to recognize or properly initialize the SD card.
4. Hardware Issues: Problems with the SD card itself, such as corruption or incompatibility, could lead to boot failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Verify Image Compatibility:

   • Ensure that you have downloaded the correct image specifically designed for Jetson Orin Nano from NVIDIA’s official site.

2. Reflash SD Card:

   • Use a reliable method to reflash the SD card:

     sudo dd if=path_to_your_image.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync
     

   • Replace /dev/sdX with your actual SD card device identifier.

3. Check Boot Options:

   • Make sure your Jetson is set to boot from the SD card. You can access the Boot Maintenance Manager by pressing ESC when powering on.

4. Update QSPI Bootloader:

   • If this is your first time using JetPack 6.x or a new image, you must update the QSPI bootloader using SDK Manager:
     • Note that SDK Manager requires a Linux host system (Ubuntu).
     • Follow instructions from NVIDIA’s documentation for updating QSPI.

5. Test with Different SD Cards:

   • If possible, try using different brands or capacities of SD cards to rule out hardware issues.

6. Check Serial Console Logs:

   • Connect a serial console to gather more detailed logs during boot attempts, which can provide insights into where the failure occurs.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for troubleshooting steps specific to flashing and booting issues on Jetson devices.

Recommended Fixes

• Users have had success by ensuring they are using compatible images and updating their QSPI bootloader through SDK Manager.
• If issues persist after following these steps, consider reaching out to NVIDIA support for further assistance.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Always verify compatibility of images and follow recommended flashing procedures closely.
• Keep updated documentation on hand regarding specific configurations and requirements for different Jetson modules.

Unresolved Aspects and Further Investigation

• Users continue to seek clarity on how to effectively manage QSPI updates without a dedicated Linux host.
• There may be additional troubleshooting steps required that are not fully documented in existing resources.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, users can effectively address issues related to booting their Jetson Orin Nano after flashing it with an Ubuntu image while ensuring compatibility with their hardware configurations.