Jetson Orin Nano Kernel Panic After Custom Kernel Build

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a kernel panic when attempting to boot the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board after building a custom kernel. The issue occurs specifically with the L4T 35.3.1 kernel source. Upon booting, the system encounters a kernel panic, preventing normal operation of the device. This problem appears to be related to the custom kernel build process and is impacting the ability to use modified kernels on the Orin Nano platform.

Possible Causes

1. Incorrect kernel build configuration:
   The kernel build process may not be properly configured for the Orin Nano hardware, leading to incompatibilities.

2. Missing or incompatible drivers:
   Essential drivers for the Orin Nano may be missing or incompatible in the custom kernel build.

3. Firmware mismatch:
   The custom kernel may not be compatible with the installed firmware version on the Orin Nano.

4. Incomplete build process:
   Some steps in the kernel build and installation process may have been missed or executed incorrectly.

5. Hardware-specific issues:
   The Orin Nano may have specific hardware requirements that are not met by the custom kernel build.

6. Corrupted build environment:
   The development environment used for building the kernel could be corrupted or misconfigured.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify kernel build process:

   • Ensure you’re following the official Nvidia documentation for kernel customization:
     https://docs.nvidia.com/jetson/archives/r35.2.1/DeveloperGuide/text/SD/Kernel/KernelCustomization.html#to-build-the-kernel
   • Double-check each step of the build process, making sure no steps were skipped or performed incorrectly.

2. Check for Orin Nano-specific configurations:

   • Review the kernel configuration files to ensure they include all necessary options for the Orin Nano hardware.
   • Look for any Orin Nano-specific patches or modifications that may need to be applied to the L4T 35.3.1 kernel source.

3. Verify driver compatibility:

   • Ensure all necessary drivers for the Orin Nano are included in the kernel build.
   • Check for any known driver issues or incompatibilities with the L4T 35.3.1 kernel version.

4. Examine build logs:

   • Review the kernel build logs for any errors or warnings that might indicate issues with the build process.
   • Pay special attention to any Orin Nano-specific components or modules.

5. Test with unmodified kernel:

   • Flash the Orin Nano with the stock L4T 35.3.1 image to verify if the issue is specific to the custom kernel.
   • If the stock image boots successfully, compare its configuration with your custom build to identify differences.

6. Incremental modifications:

   • Instead of building a completely custom kernel, start with the stock kernel and make incremental changes.
   • Test after each modification to isolate the specific change that causes the kernel panic.

7. Check for firmware compatibility:

   • Ensure that the firmware on the Orin Nano is compatible with the L4T 35.3.1 kernel version.
   • Update the firmware if necessary, following Nvidia’s official documentation.

8. Analyze kernel panic log:

   • Carefully examine the kernel panic log provided in the "orinnanokernelpanic.txt" file.
   • Look for specific error messages or stack traces that might point to the root cause of the panic.

9. Consult Nvidia Developer Forums:

   • Search the Nvidia Developer Forums for similar issues reported by other Orin Nano users.
   • If no solution is found, consider posting a detailed description of your issue, including the steps you’ve taken and the full kernel panic log.

10. Clean build environment:

    • Ensure your development environment is clean and up-to-date.
    • Consider setting up a fresh build environment to rule out any potential conflicts or corruptions.

11. Use Nvidia’s build scripts:

    • Utilize Nvidia’s provided build scripts for the Jetson platform to ensure all necessary steps are followed.
    • These scripts often include platform-specific optimizations and configurations.

12. Check for hardware issues:

    • If possible, test the custom kernel on another Orin Nano device to rule out hardware-specific problems.
    • Ensure all connections and components on the Orin Nano are properly seated and functioning.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps and potential solutions, you should be able to identify the root cause of the kernel panic and successfully boot your custom kernel on the Jetson Orin Nano. If the issue persists after trying these steps, consider reaching out to Nvidia support or posting a detailed report on the Nvidia Developer Forums for further assistance.