Jetson Orin Nano Installation Issues with CUDA and SDK Components

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano have reported difficulties related to the installation and functionality of the Jetson Linux image, specifically when attempting to utilize NVMe memory devices connected via an M.2 connector. The primary symptoms include:

• No Video Output: After successfully flashing the Jetson Linux image, users experience a lack of video output upon booting the device.
• Slow Installation: The installation process for the SDK and CUDA components is notably slow, with some users reporting that it runs for hours without completion.

The context of this issue typically arises during setup, particularly when users are trying to install Jetpack 5.1 on Ubuntu 20.04. Relevant hardware specifications include the Jetson Orin Nano and an NVMe memory device. The problem appears to be consistent among users who have modified their devices for NVMe usage.

The impact on user experience is significant, as the inability to generate video output hinders the functionality of the device, which is critical for development and testing purposes.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes may contribute to the issues experienced by users:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The modification to use an NVMe memory device may not be fully compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, leading to boot issues.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the Jetpack 5.1 version or conflicts with Ubuntu 20.04 that affect installation and operation.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings during installation or configuration could prevent successful booting or installation completion.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers for the CUDA runtime or SDK components could result in slow installations or failure to generate video output.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect performance during installation.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users might misconfigure settings while flashing images or installing components, leading to operational failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address these issues, users can follow these troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Verify Hardware Compatibility

   • Ensure that the NVMe device is compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Check connections and ensure that all hardware components are properly seated.

2. Check Installation Requirements

   • Confirm that all prerequisites for Jetpack 5.1 are met, including system requirements for Ubuntu 20.04.
   • Review Nvidia’s documentation for any specific instructions regarding NVMe installations.

3. Monitor Installation Progress

   • Use terminal commands to monitor installation progress:

     tail -f /var/log/syslog
     

   • This command allows you to view real-time logs during installation, which can help identify where it may be stalling.

4. Isolate the Installation Issue

   • Attempt a clean installation of Jetpack 5.1 without any additional components (like CUDA or SDK) first.
   • If successful, proceed to install SDK and CUDA components one at a time to identify any specific component causing issues.

5. Check for Driver Updates

   • Ensure that all necessary drivers are up-to-date:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt upgrade
     

6. Consider Alternative Installations

   • If installation continues to stall, consider using a different storage medium (e.g., SD card instead of NVMe) temporarily to rule out storage-related issues.

7. Consult Documentation and Community

   • Review Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips related to Jetpack installations.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights from other users who may have encountered similar issues.

8. Recommended Approach

   • Based on user feedback, it is advised to install the Jetson Linux image first without additional components and verify functionality before proceeding with SDK and CUDA installations.

9. Future Prevention Best Practices

   • Always back up current configurations before making changes.
   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding software compatibility and installation procedures.

Unresolved aspects include clarification on whether the Orin can operate solely with the Jetson Linux image without additional SDK and CUDA components, as well as precise average installation times for these components under various conditions. Further investigation may be needed into specific configurations that lead to successful installations versus those that do not.