My custom carrier isn’t working

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board not starting on custom carrier boards. The primary symptom is that the GPIO04-PWR_LED_CTRL remains high for approximately 22 seconds, then cycles between high and low states without any serial output during this period. This problem occurs when attempting to boot the module, which fails to provide any feedback through the serial port. Users have reported that their modules function correctly on the development kit but fail to operate on their customized designs. The issue appears to be consistent, impacting user experience significantly as it prevents any form of interaction or output from the device.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Custom carrier boards may not align with the specifications required by the Orin Nano module, leading to boot failures.
2. Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues in the JetPack version being used (e.g., JetPack 5.1.1) may cause compatibility problems with custom hardware.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the custom board design could prevent proper initialization of the module.
4. Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could lead to failure in recognizing the device or initializing hardware components.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or thermal issues may affect module performance during boot.
6. User Errors or Misconfigurations: Misconnections or incorrect settings during setup can lead to operational failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check JetPack Version:

   • Ensure you are using a compatible JetPack version (e.g., JetPack 5.1.x).
   • If you are using a developer preview version (JetPack 6.x), consider reverting to a stable version.

2. Verify Serial Console Output:

   • Confirm that UART2 is enabled and correctly connected for serial output.
   • Use a terminal program to monitor serial output during boot to gather logs for further analysis.

3. Boot into Recovery Mode:

   • To place the board into recovery mode, short pins 9 and 10 on the module while powering it on.
   • Once in recovery mode, connect it to the host machine and check if it is detected.

4. Re-flash with SDK Manager:

   • Use the SDK Manager to flash the device, ensuring that you select manual setup if automatic detection fails.
   • Export logs from SDK Manager if errors occur during flashing for further troubleshooting.

5. Inspect Custom Board Design:

   • Review your custom board design against Nvidia’s specifications for potential discrepancies.
   • Consult with your hardware team regarding GPIO configurations and power supply setups.

6. Testing Different Configurations:

   • If possible, test the Orin Nano module on different custom boards or configurations to isolate whether the issue is specific to one design.

7. Driver Updates and Documentation:

   • Check for any available driver updates or firmware upgrades that may resolve compatibility issues.
   • Refer to official Nvidia documentation for guidance on GPIO usage and configuration settings.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Maintain consistent documentation of your hardware configurations and software versions.
   • Regularly update your development environment and review best practices from Nvidia’s forums and support channels.

9. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

Code Snippet Example

To check if UART is working, you can use a simple command in your terminal:

sudo dmesg | grep tty

This command will help identify if your UART devices are recognized by the system.

Unresolved Aspects

• Users have reported inconsistencies in SDK Manager’s ability to recognize boards, indicating potential bugs that may need further investigation.
• There is a lack of clear documentation regarding specific GPIO configurations for custom boards, which could hinder troubleshooting efforts.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards on custom carriers.