Orin Nano Serial Console Log Issue

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, specifically related to rebooting issues and capturing serial console logs. The symptoms include the board not rebooting as expected, which can hinder development and debugging processes. This problem arises during attempts to access the serial console for diagnostics.

The context of the issue primarily occurs when users are trying to connect to the serial console to gather logs for troubleshooting. Users have inquired about the appropriate cables for this connection, indicating confusion regarding the correct setup.

Relevant hardware specifications include:

• Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board
• USB-C and UART connections

The issue appears to be consistent among users attempting to access serial logs, impacting their ability to diagnose and resolve problems effectively.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Using incorrect or incompatible cables may prevent successful connections to the serial console.

• Configuration Errors: Misunderstanding the correct port or cable type can lead to difficulties in capturing logs.

• Driver Issues: Problems with drivers related to USB or UART connections could affect communication with the board.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly setting up the connection, such as using a USB-C cable instead of a TTL cable, can result in failure to access logs.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Identify the Board Type:

   • Confirm whether you are using a devkit or a custom board. This affects the connection method.

2. Choose the Correct Cable:

   • Use a USB to TTL cable for connecting to TXD/RXD/GND of the debug UART.
   • Avoid using a USB-C to A cable for this purpose, as it is intended for flashing rather than serial communication.

3. Check Voltage Levels:

   • Ensure that the TTL level is set to 3.3V, as using cables with different voltage levels can damage the board or fail to establish a connection.

4. Connect and Test:

   • Connect your USB to TTL cable to the appropriate pins on the Orin Nano.
   • Open a terminal program (like PuTTY or minicom) on your computer and configure it for serial communication (e.g., baud rate, data bits).

5. Capture Serial Console Log:

   • Follow instructions from reliable sources such as JetsonHacks for detailed steps on capturing serial console logs.

6. Gather System Information:

   • Use terminal commands like dmesg or cat /proc/serial (if accessible) after establishing a connection to gather relevant system information.

7. Isolate Issues:

   • If problems persist, test with different hardware configurations (e.g., another computer or different cables) to determine if the issue lies with specific components.

8. Update Drivers/Firmware:

   • Ensure that all drivers related to USB and UART are up-to-date. Check Nvidia’s official website for any firmware updates that may address known issues.

9. Best Practices for Prevention:

   • Always verify cable specifications before use.
   • Keep documentation handy for reference during setup and troubleshooting.

By following these steps, users should be able to troubleshoot their issues effectively and capture necessary logs from their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.