Jetson Orin Nano Kernel Panic After Successful SDK Manager Flash

Issue Overview

Users have reported experiencing a kernel panic after successfully flashing the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB Development Kit using the SDK Manager from a native Ubuntu 20 host to a 128GB Micro SD card. The issue manifests after the Nvidia splash screen, where the display goes blank and serial logs indicate a kernel panic. The problem occurs consistently after flashing, regardless of whether users attempt to flash from different versions of Ubuntu or use alternative methods such as Etcher. The impact of this issue significantly hampers the user experience, preventing the system from booting properly.

Symptoms

• Blank display following the Nvidia splash screen.
• Kernel panic indicated in serial logs.

Context

• Occurs during boot after flashing.
• Tested on both Ubuntu 20 and Ubuntu 18 hosts.

Hardware/Software Specifications

• Jetson Orin Nano 8GB Development Kit.
• Micro SD Card (128GB, brand new).
• SDK Manager used for flashing.

Frequency

The issue appears to be consistent across multiple attempts and configurations.

Impact

The kernel panic prevents users from utilizing the development kit, effectively rendering it unusable until resolved.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects:

   • The SD card may have issues with its partition table or formatting that prevent proper booting.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • There may be bugs within the SDK Manager or Jetpack version being used that lead to improper flashing or kernel loading.

3. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect boot order settings in UEFI may cause the system to fail to recognize the SD card as the primary boot device.

4. Driver Issues:

   • Potential incompatibilities with drivers required for booting from the SD card could lead to kernel panic.

5. Environmental Factors:

   • Power supply instability or overheating could affect performance during boot.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations:

   • Improper formatting or flashing procedures could contribute to this issue.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Boot Priority:

   • Ensure that the SD card is set as the top priority in the UEFI boot menu.

2. Test Different SD Cards:

   • Users have reported success when switching to a different SD card (e.g., 64GB instead of 128GB). It is recommended to try another brand or size if issues persist.

3. Format SD Card Properly:

   • Use an SD card formatter tool on a host PC before flashing again. This can resolve issues related to GPT table corruption.

   sudo apt install gparted
   

   • Format using GParted or similar tools and ensure it is formatted as FAT32.

4. Reflash Using SDK Manager:

   • After formatting, attempt to reflash using SDK Manager again.

5. Use Alternative Flashing Methods:

   • If issues persist, consider using alternative methods like Etcher for flashing the image onto the SD card.

6. Inspect Serial Logs:

   • Review serial logs for specific error messages that can provide insight into what might be causing the kernel panic.

7. Boot Without Additional Devices:

   • Ensure no other storage devices are connected during boot as they may interfere with booting from the SD card.

8. Experiment with Different Ubuntu Versions:

   • If using Ubuntu 20 does not work, try flashing from an Ubuntu 18 host as some users have had varying success rates with different versions.

9. Update Firmware and Drivers:

   • Check for any available updates for Jetpack or SDK Manager that might address known bugs related to kernel panics.

10. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

    • Always use high-quality, compatible SD cards recommended by NVIDIA.
    • Regularly check for updates on firmware and software tools used for flashing.

Recommended Approach

Switching to a different SD card has been highlighted by multiple users as a successful solution when facing this issue, making it a highly recommended first step in troubleshooting.

Unresolved Aspects

Further investigation may be needed regarding specific compatibility issues between certain brands of SD cards and the Jetson Orin Nano, as well as potential underlying bugs in specific versions of Jetpack or SDK Manager that could lead to these kernel panics.