Jetson Orin Nano Won’t Boot After Failed Update

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing boot failures with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board after attempting to revert to a previous software state or re-flash the device. Symptoms include:

• The device initially displays the NVIDIA splash screen but fails to proceed further, often resulting in error messages from the bootloader.
• Attempts to re-flash the device using JetPack 6 or JetPack 5.1.3 fail around 99%, with no subsequent boot-up or error messages.
• The boot process halts early, as indicated by serial console logs showing errors related to RPC allocation and UEFI initialization.

The issue arises primarily during the flashing process and subsequent boot attempts, with users reporting that the board does not respond correctly even after following recommended procedures. The hardware in question includes the Jetson Orin Nano reference carrier board (P3768-0000), and users have noted that this particular board may be an older engineering sample (P3768-ES1).

The impact of this problem is significant, as it renders the device unusable for educational applications, particularly in projects like self-driving cars that rely on a functional development environment.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The user’s board may be an older engineering sample (P3768-ES1), which could lead to compatibility issues with current software updates.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The flashing process may be encountering bugs inherent in JetPack 5 or 6, particularly when dealing with custom configurations.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect parameters during the flashing process could prevent successful installation.

• Driver Issues: Problems related to USB drivers or other components may hinder the boot process, as indicated by logs showing USB-related errors.

• Environmental Factors: Insufficient power supply (12V @ 1A) may not meet the operational requirements of the Orin Nano, potentially causing instability during boot.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Missteps in following flashing procedures or incorrect use of commands could lead to failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue systematically, users can follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Power Supply:

   • Ensure that the power supply meets the minimum requirements for the Jetson Orin Nano. A supply rated at 12V @ 1A may be insufficient; consider using a higher-rated power supply (e.g., 12V @ 3A).

2. Check Hardware Configuration:

   • Confirm that all components are correctly seated and that there are no visible defects on the board.
   • Remove any M.2 devices temporarily to inspect for hidden markings or model numbers.

3. Use Correct Flashing Commands:

   • Execute the following command without altering any parameters:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 \
     -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p "-c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" \
     --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

4. Enable UEFI Debug Logs:

   • Rebuild the UEFI binary with debug options as follows:
     • Download and build from NVIDIA EDK2 GitHub.
     • Replace uefi_jetson.bin in your BSP with uefi_Jetson_DEBUG.bin.

5. Review Serial Console Logs:

   • Monitor serial console output for specific error messages during boot attempts.
   • Look for indications of where the boot process halts and any associated error codes.

6. Disable USB Drivers in Device Tree:

   • If USB-related errors persist, consider editing the device tree to disable USB components temporarily. This requires knowledge of device tree files and where they are located within your system configuration.

7. Consider Alternative Flashing Methods:

   • If standard flashing continues to fail, explore alternative methods such as flashing only QSPI or using different USB ports/cables.

8. Investigate Vendor Support Options:

   • Contact the vendor for potential RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) options if hardware issues are confirmed.
   • Request clarification on whether they can provide a newer board if it is determined that your current board is an outdated engineering sample.

9. Document All Attempts:

   • Keep detailed logs of all commands executed and their results, which can help in diagnosing ongoing issues or when seeking support from NVIDIA forums or vendor support.

By following these steps, users can systematically identify and resolve issues related to their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board’s inability to boot after a failed update.