Jetson Orin Nano USB Ports Not Working

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the USB ports on the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit, where no USB devices are recognized regardless of which of the four ports is used. This problem persists even after multiple reflashes of the device and the SD card. Additionally, users have reported that the network card becomes excessively hot during operation, which raises concerns about hardware functionality. The issue appears to occur immediately after flashing the device, suggesting a potential software or configuration problem. The impact on user experience is significant, as it prevents the use of essential peripherals and hinders development activities.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Faulty USB ports or a defective carrier board could lead to a complete lack of power or data transfer capabilities.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Specific versions of Jetpack (like 5.1.3 or 6.0GA) may have bugs that affect USB functionality, necessitating testing with different versions.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings during installation or flashing processes could lead to disabled USB ports.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent USB devices from being recognized.
• Environmental Factors: Excessive heat from the network card may indicate power supply issues that could affect USB port performance.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect installation steps or failure to follow specific flashing instructions could result in non-functional USB ports.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnose the Problem:

   • Check if the issue persists across multiple USB devices to rule out device-specific problems.
   • Use a multimeter to measure voltage on each USB port. Expected voltage should be around 5V; if it’s 0V, there is likely a hardware issue.

2. Reflash with Different Jetpack Versions:

   • Attempt to flash the Jetson Orin Nano with different versions of Jetpack (e.g., 5.1.3, 6.0GA) to determine if the issue is version-specific.
   • Follow these commands in the terminal for flashing:

     sudo ./sdkmanager
     

3. Check Power Supply Stability:

   • Ensure that the power supply is stable and meets the requirements for the Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit.
   • If using peripherals that draw significant power (like modems), connect them through a powered USB hub.

4. Monitor System Logs:

   • Use dmesg --follow to monitor kernel messages when connecting USB devices. Look for errors related to USB recognition:

     dmesg --follow
     

5. Test with External Devices:

   • If possible, connect the Jetson Orin Nano to an external powered USB hub and check if devices are recognized.
   • This can help isolate whether the issue lies within the Jetson’s USB ports or external device compatibility.

6. Examine Hardware Connections:

   • Inspect physical connections for any signs of damage or misalignment on the carrier board.
   • If available, test with another working Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit to compare functionality.

7. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips specific to USB issues.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

8. Potential Firmware Updates:

   • Check for any firmware updates for both Jetpack and the Jetson Orin Nano that might address known issues.

9. Contact NVIDIA Support:

   • If all else fails, consider reaching out to NVIDIA support for further assistance, especially if hardware replacement is suspected.

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.