Jetson Orin Nano Internal Storage Issues

Issue Overview

Users have raised concerns regarding the internal storage capabilities of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. The primary symptoms include confusion about the available internal memory and how the device performs its initial boot process.

The issue typically arises during the initial setup phase when users attempt to understand the storage requirements for booting the device. Specifically, users are unclear about whether the Orin Nano has any internal flash storage and, if so, how much is available.

Key points from the discussion include:

• The Orin Nano features internal QSPI (Quad Serial Peripheral Interface) memory, which is utilized for essential partitions.
• Users have expressed uncertainty about accessing these partitions and how they relate to booting.
• There is a lack of clarity on whether external storage is necessary for the root filesystem (APP partition) during the boot process.

The frequency of this issue appears to be consistent among new users trying to set up their devices, significantly impacting their user experience as they struggle to configure the board correctly.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes contribute to the confusion surrounding internal storage on the Jetson Orin Nano:

• Hardware Limitations: The Orin Nano has limited internal memory, primarily allocated for essential system partitions, which may not be accessible for user applications.

• Software Documentation Gaps: Inadequate or unclear documentation regarding boot architecture and storage requirements may lead to misunderstandings.

• Configuration Errors: Users may not be aware that external storage is required for certain operations, leading to boot failures or misconfigurations.

• User Misunderstanding: New users may not fully grasp how QSPI works or its role in the boot process, resulting in confusion.

Understanding these causes can help users navigate their setup more effectively.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve issues related to internal storage and booting on the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Internal Storage Availability:

   • Check if your device has QSPI memory by referring to the hardware specifications in the official documentation.

2. Consult Documentation:

   • Review the "Boot Architecture" section in the NVIDIA Jetson Linux Developer Guide for detailed information on how booting is managed on the Orin Nano.

3. Prepare External Storage:

   • Ensure you have an appropriate external storage device (like a microSD card or USB drive) ready to store the root filesystem (APP partition).

4. Boot Process Understanding:

   • Understand that during initial boot, if no external storage is present, the system will not be able to load the necessary operating system files.
   • Follow these commands to check available partitions:

     lsblk
     

5. Testing Different Configurations:

   • If experiencing boot issues, try using different external storage devices or formats (e.g., FAT32) to see if it resolves access problems.

6. Update Firmware and Drivers:

   • Regularly check for firmware updates or driver patches from NVIDIA that may enhance compatibility and performance.

7. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Always ensure that any required external storage is properly formatted and contains valid filesystem data before attempting a boot.
   • Familiarize yourself with community forums and documentation updates for ongoing support and knowledge sharing.

By following these steps, users can better manage their expectations regarding internal storage limitations and ensure a smoother setup process on their Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.