Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit QSPI Bootloader Flashing Issues

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit have reported difficulties related to flashing the QSPI bootloader, particularly when attempting to use the SDK Manager for updates. Key symptoms include:

• Errors during bootloader flashing: Users have encountered messages indicating that the target board could not be probed, often necessitating a connection via USB and ensuring the device is in recovery mode.

• Confusion regarding hardware requirements: Many users were unaware that a dedicated Ubuntu machine is required for flashing, contrasting with previous experiences using SD card images on Jetson Nano boards.

• Compatibility concerns: Questions arise about whether the updated bootloader can be flashed without an SD card and whether Jetpack 5.12 is compatible with the new bootloaders.

• Frequency of issues: Reports suggest that this issue is not isolated; multiple users have faced similar challenges, indicating a broader concern within the user community.

• Impact on user experience: The inability to successfully flash the bootloader can hinder development projects, leading to frustration and delays.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the difficulties experienced by users:

• Hardware incompatibilities: Users may be using third-party carrier boards that do not match the electrical layout of the Nvidia developer kit, complicating the flashing process.

• Software bugs or conflicts: Issues may arise from using outdated versions of the SDK Manager or Jetpack that are incompatible with the Orin Nano.

• Configuration errors: Incorrect command-line arguments or misidentification of device paths (e.g., using mmcblk0p1 instead of mmcblk1p1 for SD card models) can lead to failures during flashing.

• Driver issues: The Jetson modules operate as custom USB devices in recovery mode, requiring specific drivers that may not be correctly installed or configured on the host machine.

• User errors or misconfigurations: Lack of clarity in documentation regarding prerequisites for flashing (such as needing an SD card) can lead to user mistakes.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address these issues effectively, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that the Orin Nano Dev Kit is connected via USB and is in recovery mode.
   • Check if the host machine recognizes the device using:

     lsusb
     

   • Look for a device with vendor ID 0955, which indicates successful recognition.

2. Install SDK Manager:

   • Ensure that SDK Manager version 2.0.0 or newer is installed on your Ubuntu machine.
   • Run SDK Manager to download necessary files for your specific device:

     sdkmanager
     

   • Complete steps 1 through 4 without connecting the Orin Nano Dev Kit initially to download all required packages.

3. Navigate to Flash Directory:

   • Change directory to where flash scripts are located:

     cd ~/nvidia/nvidia_sdk/JetPack_6.0_DP_Linux_DP_JETSON_ORIN_NANO_TARGETS/Linux_for_Tegra
     

4. Flash QSPI Bootloader:

   • Use the following command to flash without generating a system image:

     sudo ./flash.sh --no-systemimg -c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk1p1
     

   • The mmcblk1p1 refers to the SD card model; ensure you are using this if applicable.

5. Log Flashing Process:

   • To capture output for troubleshooting, append logging to your command:

     sudo ./flash.sh --no-systemimg -c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk1p1 2>&1 | tee flash_bootloader.txt
     

6. Check Compatibility:

   • Confirm whether Jetpack 5.12 is compatible with your updated bootloader version by referring to Nvidia’s official documentation or community forums.

7. Testing Without SD Card:

   • If attempting to flash without an SD card, ensure you are targeting QSPI content correctly and monitor for any errors during execution.

8. Consider Alternative Setup:

   • If persistent issues arise, consider setting up a dedicated Ubuntu machine or dual-boot configuration to avoid potential complications with virtual environments like WSL2.

9. Seek Community Support:

   • Engage with forums or Nvidia’s support channels for additional insights and shared experiences from other users who might have faced similar challenges.

By following these steps, users should be able to resolve their issues related to flashing the QSPI bootloader on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit effectively.