Jetson Orin Nano USB Ports Not Receiving Power or Data

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the USB ports on the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit, specifically that the USB Type-C and Type-A ports are not supplying power or receiving data. Symptoms include:

• No power output: Users have reported measuring 0V at the USB ports when they should be providing 5V.
• Data transfer failure: Devices connected to the USB ports are not recognized, and no data is transmitted.
• Context of the issue: The problem occurs during initial setup and after flashing the device with Jetpack versions 5.1.2 and 6.0. The issue persists across multiple tests, including using a different carrier board where USB functionality was confirmed to work.
• Frequency of occurrence: This issue appears consistently across multiple user reports, indicating a systemic problem rather than an isolated incident.
• Impact on user experience: The inability to use USB ports significantly hampers functionality, as users cannot connect essential peripherals or devices for their projects.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for the USB port issues have been identified:

• Hardware incompatibilities or defects: The carrier board may be defective, as testing with a different board yielded successful results.
• Software bugs or conflicts: Users have reported issues persisting across different Jetpack versions, suggesting potential software-related problems.
• Configuration errors: Incorrect setup or flashing procedures could lead to non-functional USB ports.
• Driver issues: Problems with USB drivers may prevent proper communication between the device and connected peripherals.
• Environmental factors: Insufficient power supply to the device may cause instability in USB operations, particularly when using power-hungry devices like modems.
• User errors or misconfigurations: Some users may not have followed proper flashing or setup procedures, leading to non-functional components.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the USB port issues on the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Power Supply

   • Ensure that the power supply is delivering sufficient voltage and current. Use a multimeter to measure output at the power connector.
   • If using power-hungry devices (e.g., modems), consider connecting them through a powered USB hub to stabilize power delivery.

2. Reflash the Device

   • Use NVIDIA SDK Manager to reflash the Jetson Orin Nano with Jetpack 5.1.2 or 6.0.
   • Ensure that you follow all steps carefully during flashing to avoid configuration errors.

3. Test Different Hardware Configurations

   • Connect the Jetson Orin Nano to a different carrier board if available to determine if the issue lies with the original board.
   • Test various USB devices (e.g., keyboards, mice) to confirm whether the problem is device-specific.

4. Monitor System Logs

   • Use dmesg --follow in a terminal to monitor system logs while connecting devices. Look for error messages related to USB connectivity.
   • Capture logs when devices are connected and when they fail to connect for further analysis.

5. Check for Driver Issues

   • Ensure that all necessary drivers are installed and up-to-date.
   • Consider downgrading or upgrading Jetpack versions if persistent issues occur after updates.

6. Isolation Tests

   • Disconnect all other peripherals and test each USB port individually.
   • If possible, perform tests in a clean environment (minimal external connections) to rule out interference.

7. Seek Replacement for Defective Hardware

   • If testing confirms that the carrier board is defective, contact NVIDIA support for guidance on obtaining a replacement.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention

   • Always ensure that your device is running on a stable power supply.
   • Regularly update software and firmware as new versions become available.
   • Follow best practices for hardware setup and configuration as outlined in NVIDIA’s documentation.

9. Documentation and Resources

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for Jetson devices for detailed guidance on setup and troubleshooting.
   • Check forums for community-contributed solutions and experiences related to similar issues.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to non-functional USB ports on their Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.