Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board Boot Failure with DisplayPort Connection

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Board (specifically the CLB 4G model) are experiencing a critical boot failure when connecting a DisplayPort (DP) cable. The system enters a continuous reboot loop, preventing normal operation. This issue occurs during the initial setup or when attempting to use an external display. The problem significantly impacts the usability of the device, as it renders the system inoperable when trying to utilize the DP output.

Key observations:

• The device functions normally when the DP cable is disconnected
• The issue is reproducible and consistent
• The problem affects the JetPack SDK version 5.1.2
• Some users report a white screen when the DP cable is connected

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibility: The DP port or associated hardware components may have compatibility issues with certain cables or displays.

2. Software Driver Conflicts: The DisplayPort drivers might be conflicting with other system components during the boot process.

3. Firmware Issues: Outdated or corrupted firmware could be causing improper initialization of the DP interface.

4. Power Management Problems: The additional power draw from the DP connection might be triggering a system instability.

5. Memory Address Errors: The boot logs indicate EMEM (External Memory) address decode errors, which could be related to memory management issues when initializing the display subsystem.

6. Cross-Device Configuration Conflicts: Using an NVME drive from another device, even with the same hardware model, may introduce configuration incompatibilities.

7. BSP (Board Support Package) Version Mismatch: An outdated BSP might lack necessary fixes or optimizations for proper DP functionality.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Isolate the DP Cable Issue:

   • Confirm that the system boots normally without the DP cable connected.
   • Try different DP cables to rule out a faulty cable.
   • Test the DP connection with various displays to identify if it’s display-specific.

2. Update JetPack SDK and BSP:

   • Download the latest JetPack SDK from the NVIDIA Developer website.
   • Flash the system with the updated image using the NVIDIA SDK Manager.

   sudo ./sdkmanager
   

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to update the BSP and all associated components.

3. Check for Firmware Updates:

   • Visit the NVIDIA Jetson Download Center for any available firmware updates.
   • Apply updates following the provided instructions.

4. Analyze Boot Logs:

   • Connect to the device using a serial console (UART) to capture complete boot logs.
   • Use a terminal emulator like PuTTY or screen to connect:

   screen /dev/ttyACM0 115200
   

   • Analyze the logs for specific error messages or warnings related to display initialization.

5. Modify Boot Arguments:

   • Access the bootloader (U-Boot) by pressing a key during startup.
   • Disable DP initialization by adding the following boot argument:

   setenv bootargs ${bootargs} video=HDMI-A-1:D
   

   • Save and reboot to test if the system boots without DP initialization.

6. Power Management Troubleshooting:

   • Ensure the power supply meets the required specifications for the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Try a different, higher-capacity power supply to rule out power-related issues.

7. Memory and NVME Configuration:

   • If using an NVME drive from another device, perform a clean installation on the current device.
   • Avoid swapping storage devices between Jetson boards, even if they are the same model.

8. Kernel Parameter Adjustment:

   • Edit the /boot/extlinux/extlinux.conf file to add the following kernel parameter:

   fbcon=map:0
   

   • This forces the framebuffer console to use a specific display output.

9. Factory Reset and Reflash:

   • As a last resort, perform a complete factory reset and reflash the system:
   • Download the latest L4T (Linux for Tegra) package from NVIDIA.
   • Follow the flashing instructions in the L4T documentation, typically involving commands like:

   sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
   

10. Contact NVIDIA Support:

    • If the issue persists after trying these solutions, contact NVIDIA Developer Support with detailed logs and system information.
    • Provide a comprehensive description of the steps taken and their outcomes.

Remember to document each step and its result thoroughly. If a particular solution works, consider sharing the findings with the NVIDIA developer community to help others facing similar issues.