SDK Manager fails to flash Orin Nano from Host virtual machine

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit using the SDK Manager from a virtual machine (VM) environment, specifically under Proxmox/QEMU with Ubuntu 20.04 and 18.04. The primary symptoms include:

• USB Errors: Users encounter USB-related errors during the flashing process, which prevent successful completion.
• Log Messages: The logs indicate various stages of the flashing process, including successful commands followed by errors such as "ERROR: /misc/tsc_controls/tsc_locking_config is not supported" and "ERROR: might be timeout in USB write."
• Context: The issue arises primarily during the setup phase when trying to flash the Jetson device.
• Frequency: This problem seems to be consistent for users attempting to use a VM for flashing.
• Impact: The inability to flash the device significantly hampers setup and usability, leading to frustration among users.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• USB Pass-Through Issues: The virtual machine’s USB pass-through may not handle disconnections effectively during the flashing process, leading to timeouts and errors.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect VM configurations regarding USB settings may prevent stable connections during critical operations.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers in the VM could lead to communication problems with the Jetson device.

• Environmental Factors: Factors like power supply inconsistencies or overheating could also contribute to USB failures during flashing.

• User Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure their virtual environments, leading to instability during the flashing process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issue of flashing the Jetson Orin Nano from a virtual machine, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check USB Configuration in VM:

   • Ensure that the VM is configured to maintain USB connections even if they disconnect and reconnect. Consult your VM vendor’s documentation for specific instructions on configuring USB pass-through settings.

2. Update Drivers:

   • Verify that all relevant drivers on both the host and VM are up-to-date. This includes USB drivers and any other related components.

3. Use a Physical Host for Flashing:

   • As a workaround, users have successfully flashed the Jetson Orin Nano using a physical laptop running Ubuntu 20.04. This method bypasses potential issues with virtual machine configurations.

4. Log Analysis:

   • Review log files for specific error messages related to USB connections or other components. Pay attention to lines indicating timeouts or unsupported configurations.

5. Test Different Configurations:

   • If possible, try different VM setups or versions of Ubuntu to determine if certain configurations yield better results.

6. Monitor Environmental Conditions:

   • Ensure that your setup is not overheating and that power supplies are stable during the flashing process.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates regarding SDK Manager or Jetson Orin Nano flashing procedures. Look for firmware updates that may address known issues.

8. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums or Nvidia support channels for additional insights or shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to flashing the Jetson Orin Nano from a virtual machine environment.