Where can I find the firmware of EFM/ATSAMD21G16B-AU

Issue Overview

The discussion revolves around the difficulty in locating the firmware for the EFM/ATSAMD21G16B-AU chip used in the Nvidia Jetson Orin carrier board design. Users reported issues related to debugging and button control functionalities associated with this MCU.

Symptoms and Context

• Users are unable to find the necessary firmware for the EFM/ATSAMD21G16B-AU chip, which is critical for enabling debugging and power control functions.
• The issue occurs during the design phase of an Orin carrier board based on existing Nvidia designs, specifically the Jetson AGX Orin DevKit Carrier Board.
• The users mentioned that if the ATSAMD21G16B-AU is solely for USB to serial port debugging, its firmware might not be essential.
• The problem appears to have been resolved for some users through hardware modifications, indicating a workaround rather than a complete solution.

Frequency and Impact

• The issue seems to have been a common concern among users designing custom carrier boards, leading to multiple inquiries about firmware availability.
• The inability to access the firmware impacts users’ ability to implement debugging functions effectively, potentially delaying development timelines.

Possible Causes

• Firmware Unavailability: The primary cause is the lack of accessible firmware for the EFM/ATSAMD21G16B-AU chip, which is crucial for its operation.

• Redundant Functions: Some users suggested that the MCU might be redundant if it only forwards UART debug data, making its firmware unnecessary.

• Hardware Modifications: Users reported successful operation of button-related functions after removing the ATSAMD21G16B-AU from their development kits, indicating potential hardware design flaws or inefficiencies.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Identify Firmware Requirements:

   • Confirm whether the ATSAMD21G16B-AU is essential for your specific application (e.g., debugging or power control).

2. Check Official Sources:

   • Visit Nvidia’s official developer site to search for relevant firmware updates or documentation:
     • Nvidia Developer Downloads

3. Evaluate MCU Necessity:

   • If your application primarily requires UART debug data, consider whether you can bypass using this MCU entirely.

4. Test Hardware Modifications:

   • If feasible, perform a hardware modification by removing the ATSAMD21G16B-AU from your setup and check if button functionalities operate correctly without it.

5. Implement Alternative Debugging Schemes:

   • If you determine that the MCU is not required, develop your own debugging scheme to streamline your workflow.

Commands and Procedures

• For users needing to gather system information or debug data, utilize standard UART commands as follows:

# Example command to check UART connections
dmesg | grep tty

Best Practices

• Regularly check Nvidia’s developer resources for updates on firmware and documentation.

• Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions regarding similar hardware configurations.

Unresolved Aspects

• There remains uncertainty about whether Nvidia will release official firmware for the EFM/ATSAMD21G16B-AU in future updates.

• Further investigation may be needed into whether other users experience similar issues with different configurations or setups.