Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit Boot Failure

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a boot failure with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. After flashing the image to an SD card and attempting to start the device, the Nvidia logo appears briefly on the screen before the system shuts down. This issue persists even after multiple attempts to create fresh flashes using the same SD card. The problem occurs during the initial setup process, preventing users from accessing the device’s functionality.

Possible Causes

1. Incomplete or incorrect flashing process: The method used to flash the SD card (Etcher) may not be providing a complete system image, leading to boot failures.

2. Outdated or incompatible firmware: The device may require a full software reset that cannot be achieved through SD card flashing alone.

3. Hardware incompatibility: There could be a mismatch between the flashed image and the specific hardware version of the Jetson Orin Nano.

4. Corrupted SD card: The SD card itself might be faulty or unable to properly store the system image.

5. Power supply issues: Insufficient or unstable power supply could cause the device to shut down during the boot process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Use NVIDIA SDK Manager for flashing:

   • Download and install the NVIDIA SDK Manager from the official NVIDIA Developer website.
   • Connect your Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit to your computer.
   • Launch the SDK Manager and follow the guided process to flash the device.
   • This method is recommended as it performs a complete software reset and ensures all components are properly installed.

2. Verify power supply:

   • Ensure that you are using a power supply that meets the Jetson Orin Nano’s requirements.
   • Check for any loose connections in the power delivery system.

3. Check SD card integrity:

   • Test the SD card on another device to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
   • Consider using a new, high-quality SD card if problems persist.

4. Update firmware and drivers:

   • After successfully booting the device using SDK Manager, check for any available firmware or driver updates.
   • Install all recommended updates to ensure compatibility and stability.

5. Consult official documentation:

   • Review the official Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Getting Started guide for any steps you might have missed.
   • Look for any known issues or errata related to your specific hardware version.

6. Community support:

   • If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider reaching out to the NVIDIA Developer forums or community for more specialized assistance.

Remember that while the SD card flashing method using Etcher might seem simpler, it is not the recommended approach for setting up the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit. The NVIDIA SDK Manager is the official and more comprehensive method for flashing and setting up Jetson devices, ensuring all necessary components are properly installed and configured.