Orin Nano’s USB0 can’t be used as device

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Board, specifically regarding the inability to use USB0 as a device interface. The primary symptoms include:

• No USB Device Recognition: When the Orin Nano is connected to a host PC via USB, it fails to appear as a recognized device.
• Context of the Issue: This problem arises when users attempt to connect the Orin Nano directly to a PC using the micro-B USB port on the Jetson NX development kit, following the design guidelines provided in the Jetson documentation.
• Hardware Specifications: The setup involves using the Orin Nano with a Jetson NX development kit and connecting to a PC running Ubuntu (suggested versions are 18.04 or 20.04).
• Frequency of Occurrence: The issue appears consistently during attempts to establish a USB connection.
• Impact on User Experience: This problem significantly hinders users from utilizing the Orin Nano for development and testing purposes, thereby affecting productivity.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes have been identified for this issue:

• Hardware Incompatibility: The Orin Nano may not be fully compatible with certain configurations of the Jetson NX devkit.
• Software Configuration Issues: The device mode may not be properly configured or recognized by the host OS, particularly if it is not running a compatible version of Ubuntu.
• Driver Issues: There could be missing or outdated drivers on the host PC that prevent proper communication with the Orin Nano.
• User Misconfiguration: Incorrect setup or connection methods may lead to failure in establishing device mode.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or cable quality may affect connectivity.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issue with USB0 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, users can follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Host Operating System:

   • Ensure that you are using Ubuntu 18.04 or 20.04, as these versions are recommended for compatibility with the Orin Nano.

2. Check Connections:

   • Confirm that all connections are secure and that you are using a high-quality micro-B USB cable.

3. Use Correct Development Kit:

   • If you are using a different carrier board, switch to the official Orin Nano developer kit which has a type-C port that is designed for device mode operation.

4. Test USB Connection:

   • Connect the Orin Nano directly to a host PC and check if it enters device mode by running:

     lsusb
     

   • Look for entries related to Nvidia devices.

5. Update Drivers:

   • Ensure that all relevant drivers on your host PC are up-to-date. This includes USB drivers and any Nvidia-specific drivers.

6. Check Device Mode Settings:

   • If you have access to terminal commands, check if the device is set to enter device mode correctly by following any specific instructions provided in the Jetson documentation.

7. Reboot and Retry:

   • Sometimes simply rebooting both the host PC and Orin Nano can resolve connectivity issues.

8. Consult Documentation:

   • Review any additional documentation provided by Nvidia regarding device mode and USB configuration for specific instructions tailored to your setup.

9. Seek Community Support:

   • If issues persist, consider posting detailed descriptions of your configuration and attempts in forums such as Nvidia Developer Forums for community assistance.

10. Best Practices for Future Use:

    • Always ensure your system is updated with the latest software versions and patches from Nvidia.
    • Regularly check community forums for updates on known issues and fixes related to your hardware setup.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to USB0 functionality on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Board.