Jetson Orin Nano Freezes Randomly After Upgrade to JetPack 6

Issue Overview

Users have reported that their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development boards experience random freezes after upgrading to JetPack 6. The specific symptoms include:

• The system freezes unexpectedly, followed by a reboot after several seconds.
• The issue occurs during various operations, including the installation of JetPack 6 and when running applications like jtop.
• Users have attempted to flash the system onto both NVMe SSDs and microSD cards, but the problem persists across different storage media.

The hardware in question is the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, and the software environment includes JetPack 6 on Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS. The frequency of the issue appears to be inconsistent, with some users experiencing it shortly after booting while others report it happening during specific tasks. This problem significantly impacts user experience, leading to potential data loss and hindering development efforts.

Additional context reveals that some users suspect issues related to display output, particularly when using older HDMI monitors or adapters. There are also indications that network connectivity (Wi-Fi) may exacerbate the freezing issue.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects

   • Using older or non-native display devices (e.g., HDMI monitors) may lead to compatibility issues that cause system instability.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts

   • The upgrade to JetPack 6 may introduce bugs or conflicts with existing applications or drivers, particularly if they were not fully compatible with the new version.

3. Configuration Errors

   • Incorrect configurations in system settings or during the installation process could lead to unexpected behavior and freezes.

4. Driver Issues

   • Issues with drivers, especially those related to graphics or network interfaces, may cause the system to freeze under certain conditions.

5. Environmental Factors

   • Power supply issues or overheating could lead to instability in operation, causing random reboots or freezes.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations

   • Misconfiguration during setup or a lack of familiarity with new features in JetPack 6 may lead users to inadvertently cause system instability.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Monitor Serial Console Logs

   • Use a serial console connection to monitor logs from boot until the freeze occurs. This can help identify any errors leading up to the freeze.
   • Command: dmesg can be used to view kernel messages.

2. Check Display Configuration

   • If using an HDMI monitor, consider switching to a native DisplayPort monitor to rule out display-related issues.
   • Ensure that all display settings are correctly configured for your hardware setup.

3. Reflash with SDK Manager

   • If issues persist, reflash the board using the SDK Manager without installing additional applications initially.
   • Follow these steps:
     1. Connect your Jetson device and open SDK Manager.
     2. Select your device and choose "Flash".
     3. Wait for the process to complete and test for stability before adding applications.

4. Test Without Wi-Fi

   • Disable Wi-Fi and observe if the freezing issue continues. Some users reported stability when Wi-Fi was turned off.
   • If Wi-Fi is necessary, consider updating drivers or checking network settings.

5. Isolate Hardware Components

   • Disconnect all peripherals (USB devices, cameras) and test the board’s functionality with minimal hardware connected.
   • Gradually reconnect components to identify any specific device causing instability.

6. Review System Logs

   • Collect logs from /var/log/Xorg.0.log and other relevant log files before a freeze occurs for further analysis.
   • Command: cat /var/log/Xorg.0.log can be used for viewing Xorg logs.

7. Update Drivers and Firmware

   • Ensure all drivers are up-to-date and compatible with JetPack 6.
   • Check for firmware updates that may address known issues with freezing.

8. Best Practices for Future Stability

   • Regularly update software and firmware as new releases become available.
   • Maintain proper cooling and power supply conditions for optimal performance.
   • Test new configurations in a controlled environment before deploying changes widely.

Unresolved aspects of this issue may include specific interactions between JetPack 6 features and existing hardware configurations that require further investigation from Nvidia support or community forums for deeper insights into potential fixes or patches.