Using Single Lane for NVME M.2 Interface on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are inquiring about the possibility of utilizing a single lane (x1) out of the four available lanes when connecting an NVME M.2 (Key M) SSD to the PCI0 bus on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board. This question arises in the context of system configuration and hardware compatibility, specifically regarding the NVME interface capabilities of the Jetson Orin Nano.

Possible Causes

The need to use a single lane instead of all four lanes could stem from various reasons:

1. Hardware Limitations: The user might have an NVME drive that only supports single-lane operation.
2. Power Considerations: Using fewer lanes could potentially reduce power consumption.
3. Compatibility Issues: There might be concerns about compatibility between the Jetson Orin Nano and certain NVME drives.
4. Performance Requirements: The user’s application may not require the full bandwidth of four lanes.
5. PCIe Lane Allocation: The user might want to allocate the remaining lanes to other devices.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Based on the forum discussion, it is confirmed that using a single lane (x1 mode) for the NVME M.2 interface on the Jetson Orin Nano’s PCI0 bus is supported. Here are the key points and steps to consider:

1. Confirmation of Support: The x1 mode is supported on the NVME controller of the Jetson Orin Nano.

2. Configuration Steps:

   • Ensure your NVME M.2 SSD is compatible with single-lane operation.
   • When installing the NVME drive, connect it to the appropriate M.2 slot on the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • No special configuration should be necessary, as the system should auto-negotiate the lane usage.

3. Performance Considerations:

   • Be aware that using a single lane will limit the maximum bandwidth compared to using all four lanes.
   • This configuration may be suitable for applications that don’t require maximum storage performance.

4. Troubleshooting:

   • If you encounter issues with the x1 mode:
     a. Check the BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure PCIe lane configuration is set to Auto or x1.
     b. Verify that your NVME drive is properly seated in the M.2 slot.
     c. Update to the latest Jetson BSP (Board Support Package) if available.

5. Additional Resources:

   • Refer to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide for detailed information on hardware setup and configuration.
   • Check the NVIDIA Developer Forums for any updated information or user experiences with this configuration.

By following these guidelines, users should be able to successfully utilize a single lane for their NVME M.2 interface on the Jetson Orin Nano. If problems persist, it’s recommended to reach out to NVIDIA support or consult with the community on the official developer forums for more specific assistance.