Jetson Orin Nano Not Booting Jetpack 5.1.1 and 5.1.2

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing boot failures when attempting to run JetPack versions 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano after successfully booting JetPack 5.1.3. The symptoms include the device getting stuck on the Nvidia boot screen, followed by repeated attempts to boot, which ultimately fail and lead to a shutdown.

This issue arises during the attempt to flash a new SD card with older JetPack versions after previously using JetPack 5.1.3, which leads to questions about compatibility between the bootloader and the older software versions. Users have reported trying multiple SD cards (specifically 32GB SanDisk) without success, while confirming that the device operates normally with the SD card containing JetPack 5.1.3.

The impact of this problem significantly affects user experience, as it prevents access to specific drivers required for certain applications, such as those for the Arducam IMX477 camera.

Possible Causes

• Bootloader Compatibility: The bootloader on the device is updated to version 5.1.3 after successful booting with that version, making it incompatible with older JetPack versions (5.1.1 and 5.1.2).

• Driver Issues: The required drivers for specific hardware (like the Arducam IMX477) are only available in earlier versions of JetPack, leading users to downgrade.

• Flashing Errors: Potential issues during the flashing process could prevent proper installation of older versions.

• Hardware Incompatibility: Although less likely since the device works with 5.1.3, there could be hardware-specific issues related to using different SD cards.

• User Configuration Errors: Missteps in the flashing process or improper configurations might also lead to boot failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Re-flash Using SDK Manager:

   • Since users cannot currently use SDK Manager due to lack of a native Linux machine, acquiring access to one is essential.
   • Follow these steps:
     • Download and install SDK Manager from Nvidia’s official site.
     • Connect your Jetson Orin Nano and select the option for re-flashing.
     • Ensure you select the option to flash both the OS and bootloader.

2. Use a TTL to USB Cable:

   • Once received, connect a TTL to USB cable to observe serial output logs during boot.
   • This may provide insight into specific errors occurring during boot attempts.

3. Check SD Card Integrity:

   • Ensure that all SD cards used are functioning properly by testing them in another device or reformatting them before flashing.
   • Use high-quality SD cards recommended for use with Jetson devices.

4. Consider Compatibility Issues:

   • Understand that once you have booted with a newer version of JetPack, downgrading may require a complete re-flash due to bootloader changes.
   • If you need specific features from older versions, ensure that you revert all components (including bootloader) back to compatible states.

5. Documentation Reference:

   • Consult Nvidia’s official documentation for detailed instructions on flashing and compatibility requirements:
     • Nvidia SDK Manager Documentation

6. Best Practices for Future Installations:

   • Always back up your current configuration before attempting any upgrades or downgrades.
   • Regularly check for updates on compatibility issues from Nvidia forums or documentation.

7. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed into whether specific hardware configurations or additional software dependencies are causing issues beyond bootloader compatibility.

By following these steps and utilizing available resources, users should be able to address the booting issues with their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano effectively.