Hardware selection of boot device

This question applies to the Jetson Orin Nano/NX & Jetson Thor.

Is there any way of defining the default boot device via hardware strapping options on the Jetson Orin and Thor modules?

On the Jetson Thor module pinout, there are several BOOT_CHAIN signals who’s function or purpose is not discussed anywhere. Are these signals perhaps used to define the default boot device in the UEFI?

If so, is there some documentation where this is discussed in detail, and is this feature also available on the Jetson Orin line of modules?

Thanks

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The question is asking about defining the default boot device via hardware strapping options on the Jetson Orin and Thor modules. Specifically, it mentions the BOOTCHAIN signals on the Jetson Thor module pinout and asks if these signals are used to define the default boot device in the UEFI.

Unfortunately, the provided context does not explicitly mention the BOOTCHAIN signals or their purpose. However, it does provide information on the UEFI bootloader and the Jetson Linux Developer Guide.

According to the context, the Jetson Linux Developer Guide is the primary source of documentation for the Jetson platforms. It is likely that the guide provides information on the UEFI bootloader and its configuration options, including the default boot device.

Comparing the Jetson Orin and Thor modules, the context suggests that the Jetson Orin modules have a similar architecture and design to the Jetson Thor module. However, it does not provide specific information on the BOOTCHAIN signals or their purpose on the Jetson Orin modules.

To answer the question comprehensively, it is likely that the BOOTCHAIN signals on the Jetson Thor module are used to define the default boot device in the UEFI. However, without explicit documentation or confirmation, it is difficult to say for certain.

Regarding the availability of this feature on the Jetson Orin line of modules, it is possible that the Jetson Orin modules have similar hardware strapping options for defining the default boot device. However, without specific documentation or confirmation, it is difficult to say for certain.

In summary, while the context does not provide explicit information on the BOOTCHAIN signals or their purpose, it is likely that the Jetson Linux Developer Guide provides information on the UEFI bootloader and its configuration options, including the default boot device. It is also possible that the Jetson Orin modules have similar hardware strapping options for defining the default boot device, but without specific documentation or confirmation, it is difficult to say for certain.

Recommendation:

  • Refer to the Jetson Linux Developer Guide for detailed documentation on the UEFI bootloader and its configuration options.
  • Check the Jetson Thor module pinout documentation for information on the BOOTCHAIN signals and their purpose.
  • If the Jetson Orin modules have similar hardware strapping options, check the Jetson Orin module documentation for information on the default boot device configuration.

Note: The answer is based on the provided context and may not be comprehensive or accurate without additional information or documentation.

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I have taken a look at the various documents and online forums and have not found any mention of the BOOT_CHAIN signals and their purpose.

Can a support technician review my questions and come back to me please?

No, UEFI by default does not use hardware signal to decide what is the boot device.

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Thanks for your reply.

You said “by default“, does this imply that one can modify the boot configuration at some stage during the boot process?

Our application requires boot media redundancy, for this reason we would like to define which device will be booted from via a external hardware signal.

The reason we are asking if the boot media can be selected via the state of some GPIO signals is because our application will be headless; we will not have access to the UEFI configuration UI to select/switch between boot media’s.

Any information about controlling the boot process via external signals would be appreciated.

Thanks

Maybe you can refer to the following thread to read GPIO state in UEFI first.
AGX xavier with Jetpack 5.1.1:How do I get GPIO status in UEFI? - #8 by KevinFFF

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