Slow Boot Time on Jetson Orin Nano: USB Drive Impact and Optimization

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board have reported significant differences in boot times between the 4GB and 8GB models. Initially, the 4GB model was observed to be slower, with a boot time of approximately 10 seconds. This issue was encountered while using the Jetson Orin IO Base from Waveshare. The problem affects the user experience by causing unexpected delays during system startup, which can be particularly problematic in time-sensitive applications or development environments.

Possible Causes

1. USB Drive Speed: The primary cause of the boot time discrepancy was identified as the writing speed of the USB pendrive used in the system.

2. Hardware Differences: Initial suspicions about performance differences between the 4GB and 8GB models were considered but ultimately ruled out.

3. Software Configuration: Variations in software setup or configuration between the two models could potentially contribute to boot time differences.

4. JetPack Version: While both models were running the same JetPack version (5.1.2-b104), specific software optimizations might affect boot times differently on various hardware configurations.

5. Boot Sequence Complexity: The overall boot time for Jetson Orin Nano devices was noted to be significantly longer than that of the Jetson Nano, suggesting a more complex boot sequence.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Identify the Bottleneck:

   • Analyze the boot sequence to determine which stage is causing the delay.
   • Use boot logging tools to pinpoint the time-consuming processes.

2. USB Drive Optimization:

   • Replace the USB pendrive with a faster model to improve boot times.
   • Consider using high-speed USB 3.0 or 3.1 drives for optimal performance.
   • Test different USB drive brands and models to find the most compatible and efficient option.

3. Software Optimization:

   • Analyze the boot sequence and remove unused modules to streamline the process.
   • Use the following command to view installed JetPack components:

     apt-cache show nvidia-jetpack
     

   • Check the L4T (Linux for Tegra) core version:

     dpkg-query --show nvidia-l4t-core
     

4. Update JetPack and L4T:

   • Ensure you are using the latest compatible versions of JetPack and L4T for your Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Check for updates regularly on the NVIDIA Developer website.

5. Boot Configuration Optimization:

   • Review and modify the boot configuration files to remove unnecessary services or processes.
   • Implement parallel boot processes where possible to reduce overall boot time.

6. Hardware Considerations:

   • If using a custom carrier board like the Waveshare Jetson Orin IO Base, ensure all connections are secure and the board is properly configured.
   • Check for any firmware updates specific to your carrier board.

7. Benchmark and Compare:

   • Systematically test boot times after each optimization step.
   • Use the systemd-analyze command to get detailed boot time information:

     systemd-analyze
     systemd-analyze blame
     

8. Consult NVIDIA Documentation:

   • Review the official Jetson Orin Nano documentation for specific optimization techniques.
   • Check the NVIDIA Developer Forums for community-driven solutions and best practices.

9. Consider SSD Boot:

   • If faster boot times are critical, consider booting from an SSD instead of a USB drive.
   • Follow NVIDIA’s guidelines for setting up SSD boot on Jetson devices.

10. Monitor System Resources:

    • Use tools like top, htop, or nvidia-smi to monitor system resource usage during boot.
    • Identify and address any processes consuming excessive resources.

By implementing these steps, users should be able to optimize the boot time of their Jetson Orin Nano devices, regardless of the memory configuration. Remember that while the USB drive speed was the primary issue in this case, a holistic approach to system optimization can yield the best results for overall performance.