Jetson Orin Nano: Issues with Booting from SSD on Custom Carrier Board

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties booting the Jetson Orin Nano from an SSD on a custom carrier board. The primary symptoms include the system failing to boot properly, with indications that the boot sequence starts but does not complete. Users have tested the Orin Nano in the official development kit and confirmed that it boots correctly from the SSD, suggesting that the issue lies within the custom board’s design or configuration.

Relevant Hardware and Software Specifications

• Device: Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit (8GB)
• Custom Carrier Board: Designed to include Ethernet, SSD interface, and MIPI interface.
• Boot Method: Attempting to boot from SSD.
• JetPack Version: Not explicitly mentioned.

Symptoms

• The Jetson Orin Nano appears to start the boot sequence but fails to complete it when booting from SSD.
• Communication via Ethernet is not possible after the failed boot attempt.
• The PCIE0_RST* pin shows a logic level of only around 0.5 V instead of the expected high level.

Possible Causes

1. Power Supply Issues: Insufficient power supply or incorrect power sequencing could prevent the system from booting properly from the SSD.
2. Pin Configuration Errors: The custom board may have incorrect pin configurations that affect communication with the SSD.
3. Driver or Firmware Issues: There may be bugs or conflicts in the drivers or firmware that affect booting from external storage.
4. Hardware Defects: There could be defects in the custom carrier board design that impact its ability to interface correctly with the Jetson Orin Nano.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Verify Power Supply:

   • Ensure that the power supply meets the requirements for both the Jetson Orin Nano and any connected peripherals. Check voltage levels and connections.

2. Check Pin Connections:

   • Inspect all pin connections on the custom carrier board, especially those related to PCIe and power lines. Make sure they are correctly routed and soldered.

3. Inspect Device Tree Settings:

   • Review and modify device tree source files if necessary to ensure proper configuration for booting from SSD.

4. Test Booting with Official Board:

   • If possible, test the same SSD on an official Jetson Orin Nano development kit to confirm that it is functioning correctly.

5. Monitor Boot Sequence with UART Logs:

   • Connect a serial console to gather detailed logs during boot attempts, which can provide insights into where the failure occurs.

6. Use Oscilloscope or Logic Analyzer:

   • Check signal integrity on critical pins like PCIE0_RST* to ensure they are functioning as expected during boot.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for guidance on configuring custom carrier boards and troubleshooting boot issues.

Recommended Fixes

• Users have successfully resolved similar issues by ensuring correct power supply configurations and verifying physical connections.
• Adjustments in device tree settings may also be necessary for proper functionality.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Document all configurations and changes made during development for future reference.
• Regularly check NVIDIA forums and documentation for updates regarding known issues with specific JetPack versions.

Unresolved Aspects and Further Investigation

• Users continue to seek clarity on specific power sequencing requirements for booting from SSD.
• There may be additional debugging steps required that are not fully documented in existing resources.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, users can effectively address issues related to booting from SSD on their Jetson Orin Nano platform while ensuring compatibility with their hardware configurations.