Load a boot image on an NVMe M.2 drive, and then install into Orin AGX, and boot from it

Robotics & Edge Computing Jetson Systems Jetson AGX Orin
1

As per the title.

I would like to update the AGX Orin to the latest version, but would like to keep the old version in the emmc.

I would like to load an image into the nVMe drive outside of the ORIN. I could do this on windows, as I have a USB to NVMe adapter - if a prebuilt image is available.

I would the install the NVMe drive in the Orin, and would have to configure it to boot from that, and not the emmc. This way the old system is available in the emmc, and I could reinstall my sdks etc in the new OS, on the NMVe. The idea would be that there would be no interference between the old and new system.

Possible?

3

*** Please note that this reply is generated by LLM automatically ***

To update the Jetson AGX Orin to the latest version while keeping the old version on the eMMC, you can follow these steps:

  1. Create a bootable NVMe drive: You can use a USB-to-NVMe adapter to connect the NVMe drive to your Windows machine. Then, you can use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable NVMe drive with the latest Jetson Linux image.
  2. Install the NVMe drive in the Orin: Once you have created the bootable NVMe drive, you can install it in the Jetson AGX Orin.
  3. Configure the Orin to boot from the NVMe drive: You will need to configure the Orin to boot from the NVMe drive instead of the eMMC. This can be done by updating the boot order in the UEFI firmware settings.

Advantages of this approach:

  • You can keep the old version of the operating system on the eMMC, which means you can still use it if needed.
  • You can install the new operating system on the NVMe drive without interfering with the old system.
  • You can reinstall your SDKs and other software on the new operating system without affecting the old system.

Comparison with other approaches:

  • Updating the eMMC directly: If you update the eMMC directly, you will overwrite the old version of the operating system, which means you will lose access to it.
  • Using a separate partition on the eMMC: You could create a separate partition on the eMMC for the new operating system, but this would still require you to reinstall your SDKs and other software, and you would need to manage the partitioning and booting process carefully.

Prebuilt images:

  • NVIDIA provides prebuilt images for Jetson Linux, which you can download from the NVIDIA website. These images are specific to each Jetson module and include the necessary software and drivers.
  • You can use these prebuilt images to create a bootable NVMe drive, which you can then use to update your Jetson AGX Orin.

Additional considerations:

  • Pin compatibility: Make sure that the NVMe drive you choose is compatible with the Jetson AGX Orin. Some NVMe drives may not be compatible with the Orin’s pin layout.
  • UEFI firmware: Make sure that the UEFI firmware on your Jetson AGX Orin is updated to the latest version, as this may affect the booting process.
  • Boot order: Make sure to update the boot order in the UEFI firmware settings to prioritize the NVMe drive over the eMMC.

By following these steps and considering these factors, you should be able to update your Jetson AGX Orin to the latest version while keeping the old version on the eMMC.

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1 Like
5

Just to make sure I download the right Jetson Linux Image - do you have a link for the right image file for the AGX Orin 64G dev kit. (Ubuntu 24.04 ideally)

Thanks

6

Hi,

What is your old version in emmc?

And what is your target latest version (JP5.1.5/ JP6.2)

Thanks

7

Yes, that is the case. The latest JetPack 6.2.1 is required for an SDK that uses it (JetPack 6.x versus earlier versions).

I thought I would update the Linux version at the same time to 24.04 (from 20.04) - in case the older version is unsupported in the near future.

8

Hi,

Please refer to below official documentation

  1. Prepare a native ubuntu
  2. Download the JP6.2 bsp and rootfs
  3. Follow the mentioned doc to extract the tar file
  4. run the below commands
sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 \
  -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_t234_nvme.xml \
  --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-agx-orin-devkit external

Also, we suggest to back up the emmc data before run the above commands.

Please refer to the

Please note that running two different JP versions on the same bootloader version is not validated. When you execute the above commands, the host will flash QSPI with the latest version (JP6.2), since the bootloader is stored in QSPI.

Thanks

9

Thanks - however ()as per the original post), I was hoping to flash the NVMe external to the Jetson (from windows - i.e. I would download the image on an external PC, and then flash the NVMe while it is attached to the PC via an external USB adapter).

Once flashed, I would then install it in the Orin AGX.

This way there would be no chance of accidentally altering the emmc.

Is this still possible?

10

Hi,

Do you mean you want to install JP6.2 in NVMe using tool like balenaEtcher?

If yes, please refer to similar user experience.

Thanks

11

Yes - or Rufus. I would have a complete image of the Jetson with all the tools etc, and that would be flashed onto the NVMe drive in a windows environment, and then plugged into the Jetson.

I will look at the links provided in the morning to see if that is the case there. Thanks

12

There is no update from you for a period, assuming this is not an issue anymore.
Hence, we are closing this topic. If need further support, please open a new one.
Thanks ~0910

Hi,

Wait for your update.

Thanks