Jetson Orin Nano hardware not detected by SDK manager

Issue Overview

Users of the Jetson Orin Nano development kit have reported difficulties in getting the SDK Manager to detect their hardware. The main symptoms include:

• Detection Failure: Despite following the necessary steps to enter recovery mode and connect the device, users find that the SDK Manager does not recognize the Jetson Orin Nano.
• Environment: The issue occurs primarily in a virtual machine environment running Ubuntu 20.04 on Windows, which may complicate hardware detection.
• Setup Steps: Users have attempted various methods, including shorting pins to enter recovery mode, connecting power supplies, and using different USB connections (USB and USB-C).
• Command Verification: Running the command lsusb in the terminal does not show any NVIDIA devices, indicating a failure in hardware recognition.
• Frequency: This problem appears to be consistent for multiple users attempting similar setups.
• Impact: The inability to detect hardware severely hampers the user experience, preventing them from utilizing the development kit effectively.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes could lead to this issue:

• Virtual Machine Limitations: The SDK Manager may not support flashing or detecting hardware when run in a virtual machine environment. This is a common limitation that can lead to detection failures.

• Driver Issues: There may be conflicts or missing drivers required for proper communication between the host system and the Jetson Orin Nano.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrectly configured settings in either the SDK Manager or the virtual machine could prevent hardware detection.

• Hardware Defects: There is a possibility that the Jetson Orin Nano itself is defective or improperly configured from the factory.

• Power Supply Issues: Insufficient power supply to the board might lead to failure in booting up correctly, resulting in detection issues.

• Bootloader Status: If the QSPI memory on the module has not been properly flashed with bootloader data, it may not initialize correctly, leading to detection failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issue of hardware detection with the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Switch to Physical Hardware:

   • If currently using a virtual machine, switch to a native Ubuntu installation. NVIDIA does not support flashing or detection through virtual machines.

2. Power Supply Check:

   • Ensure that you are using an adequate barrel jack power supply. Verify that it meets the voltage and current specifications required for the Jetson Orin Nano.

3. Recovery Mode Activation:

   • Confirm that you are correctly shorting the FC REC and GND pins before powering on the device. This step is crucial for entering recovery mode.

4. USB Connection:

   • Try different USB ports on your laptop and ensure that you are using high-quality USB cables. Connect directly without any hubs if possible.

5. Check with lsusb Command:

   • After connecting your device, run lsusb again in your terminal to check if it appears as an NVIDIA device. If not detected, revisit previous steps.

6. Using SD Card for Booting:

   • Consider using an SD card for initial setup:
     • Download the appropriate SD card image from NVIDIA’s website.
     • Use tools like Etcher (if not using SDK Manager) to write the image onto an SD card.
     • Insert the SD card into your Jetson Orin Nano and power it on.

7. Flashing QSPI Memory:

   • If you have previously used JetPack 5 and are upgrading to JetPack 6, ensure that you re-flash the QSPI memory as this is required for proper functionality.

8. Documentation Reference:

   • Consult NVIDIA’s official documentation for detailed instructions on setting up both SDK Manager and SD card installations:
     • Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Getting Started Guide

9. Contact Support if Necessary:

   • If all else fails and you suspect a hardware defect, consider reaching out to NVIDIA support or your vendor for assistance or potential replacement of your unit.

By following these steps systematically, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to hardware detection on their Jetson Orin Nano development kits.