Unable to upgrade the Jetson UEFI firmware to 36.x

Issue Overview

Users have reported difficulties in upgrading the UEFI firmware on the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board when attempting to install the QSPI Updater package as part of the JetPack 5.3.2 installation process. The specific symptoms include:

• Receiving a post-install notification for the nvidia-l4t-bootloader but failing to see the UEFI upgrade screen upon reboot.
• The command sudo nvbootctl dump-slots-info returns an error indicating that the command is not found.
• Users are unable to proceed with JetPack 6.0 installation due to these issues.

This problem typically occurs during the setup phase, specifically when transitioning from JetPack 5.x to JetPack 6.x. The hardware in question is the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, and it appears that users may not be waiting long enough for the software upgrade to complete before rebooting. The issue seems consistent among users attempting similar upgrades, impacting their ability to fully utilize the features of JetPack 6.0.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibility: Users must ensure they are using an Orin Nano or newer model, as older models like TX1 or TX2 do not support L4T R36.x and JetPack 6.x.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs within the JetPack version or conflicts with previous installations affecting the upgrade process.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during setup might prevent successful firmware updates.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could lead to commands like nvbootctl being unrecognized.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could impact system performance during upgrades.

• User Errors: Users may not be following the installation instructions accurately, such as rebooting too early before the software has fully unpacked and installed.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issues encountered during the UEFI firmware upgrade on the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Model:

   • Ensure you are using an Orin Nano Dev board or newer.
   • Confirm your model by checking any labels or specifications on the device.

2. Check Installation Instructions:

   • Review the setup guide from NVIDIA for any missed steps, especially around waiting times for software updates.

3. Wait for Software Upgrade Completion:

   • After initiating the software upgrade, wait at least 15-20 minutes before rebooting. This allows time for downloads and unpacking.

4. Use Serial Console for Diagnostics:

   • Connect a serial console cable to monitor logs during bootup. This will provide insights into what processes are occurring and any errors that may arise.

5. Reinstall JetPack:

   • If issues persist, consider reinstalling JetPack 5.3.2 and then attempt upgrading to JetPack 6.0 again following all steps carefully.

6. Check for Command Availability:

   • If nvbootctl is not found, ensure that all necessary packages are installed correctly. You can check installed packages with:

     dpkg -l | grep nvbootctl
     

7. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Ensure all drivers and firmware are up-to-date by checking NVIDIA’s official documentation for any available updates.

8. Consult NVIDIA Forums:

   • If problems continue, seek assistance on relevant NVIDIA forums where developers discuss similar issues and solutions.

9. Document Findings:

   • Keep a log of any errors encountered along with steps taken; this can help in troubleshooting further or when seeking help from community forums.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to UEFI firmware upgrades on their Jetson Orin Nano boards effectively.