Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit Boot Issue with Custom Minimal Image

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to create and boot a custom minimal server image for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit. The specific symptoms include:

• The device is able to load l4tlauncher via direct boot but then stops working
• The custom image creation process completes without errors, but the device fails to boot properly
• The issue occurs during the initial boot process after flashing the custom image to an SD card
• The problem appears to be consistent across attempts to boot the custom image
• This issue significantly impacts the user’s ability to deploy a customized, minimal server configuration on the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit

Possible Causes

1. Missing Dependencies: The custom image may lack essential packages required for proper system initialization and operation.

2. Incomplete Binary Application: The apply_binaries.sh script may not have completed successfully due to missing dependencies, resulting in an incomplete system image.

3. QSPI Memory Configuration: If the QSPI memory on the Orin Nano modules hasn’t been properly flashed or configured, it could prevent successful booting.

4. Incorrect Image Creation Process: There might be errors or omissions in the steps followed to create the custom image, leading to an incomplete or incompatible system image.

5. Hardware Compatibility Issues: The custom image may lack necessary drivers or firmware for proper hardware initialization on the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Add Missing Packages:

   • Identify and add the following missing packages to the tools/samplefs/nvubuntu-focal-minimal-aarch64-packages file:

     gir1.2-appindicator3-0.1
     python3-matplotlib
     python3-tk
     

   • Rebuild the rootfs folder after adding these packages.

2. Verify Binary Application:

   • Re-run the apply_binaries.sh script after adding the missing packages.
   • Check for any error messages during the process and address them accordingly.

3. Check QSPI Memory:

   • Verify if the QSPI memory on the Orin Nano modules has been properly flashed before.
   • If not, follow the Nvidia documentation to flash the QSPI memory correctly.

4. Review Image Creation Process:

   • Double-check each step of the image creation process against the official Nvidia documentation.
   • Ensure all commands are executed in the correct order and with the proper parameters.

5. Capture Boot Logs:

   • Connect to the serial console of the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.
   • Attempt to boot the device and capture the complete boot log.
   • Analyze the log for any error messages or unexpected behavior during the boot process.

6. Compare with Sample Rootfs:

   • Test booting with the provided sample_root_fs to confirm if the issue is specific to the custom image.
   • If the sample rootfs boots successfully, compare its contents with your custom image to identify missing components.

7. Minimal Configuration Testing:

   • Start with a minimal configuration and gradually add components to identify which specific addition causes the boot failure.
   • This process can help isolate the problematic package or configuration.

8. Update Nvidia Drivers and SDK:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of the Nvidia Jetson Linux Driver Package and SDK.
   • Download and use the most recent version from the Nvidia Developer website.

9. Check Hardware Compatibility:

   • Verify that all custom image components are compatible with the specific hardware revision of your Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.
   • Consult the Nvidia compatibility matrix for any known issues or requirements.

10. Community Support:

    • If the issue persists, consider posting the complete boot log and a detailed description of your image creation process on the Nvidia Developer Forums for further assistance from the community and Nvidia support staff.

[Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit Boot Issue with Custom Minimal Image]