Using SSD as external storage for Jetson Xavier NX production module. External Booting

Over the past two months, I have been attempting to integrate this module with a pre-existing carrier board from a former Jetson Xavier NX developer kit. I successfully flashed the eMMC using the SDK Manager after forcing the module into recovery mode. The module boots correctly from the eMMC.

However, I have encountered two primary issues:

  1. Wi-Fi Connectivity: I am experiencing problems establishing a stable Wi-Fi connection.
  2. Booting from External SSD: Our projects require more storage than the onboard eMMC provides. I have been trying to configure the system to boot with the root file system residing on an external SSD.

I have attempted several approaches to boot from the SSD, including:

  • Directly flashing the SSD with OS images used for the developer kit. This resulted in boot failures.
  • Utilizing files from a “boot from external source” GitHub repository, which led to compatibility and troubleshooting errors.
  • Copying the root file system to the SSD and attempting to modify the bootloader configuration to point to the SSD. Despite multiple attempts, the system continues to boot with the root file system on the eMMC.

I have found a significant lack of specific documentation detailing the process of configuring a Jetson Xavier NX production module to boot the root file system from external storage, particularly when used with a non-standard carrier board. Information on navigating the boot manager menu and understanding the relevant boot configuration parameters for this scenario seems to be limited.

Could you please provide any documentation or resources that specifically address the following:

  • Navigating the Boot Manager Menu: Instructions on how to access and navigate the boot manager on the Jetson Xavier NX production module.
  • Identifying Boot Devices: How the system identifies and lists available boot devices.
  • Modifying Boot Order and Root File System Location: Detailed steps on configuring the bootloader to mount the root file system from a specified partition on an external SSD after the initial boot from eMMC. This includes the specific configuration files and parameters involved.
  • Considerations for Custom Carrier Boards: Any specific considerations or potential modifications required when using a production module with a non-standard carrier board regarding boot configuration.
  • Troubleshooting Common Boot Issues: Guidance on common issues and debugging steps for booting from external storage.

Any assistance or pointers to relevant documentation would be greatly appreciated. Overcoming this boot issue is critical for the progression of our development projects.

Hi,

Could you provide your method (commands or referred page) for us to review?

Thanks

cd Downloads
cd balenaEtcher-linux-x64-1.19.21/
cd balenaEtcher-linux-x64/
ls
./balena-etcher

Once opened, a image file labeled “Sasank_Jetson_backup.img” was flash onto the SSD. This has been used to flash the previous SD cards used in our lab.

Hi,

We don’t verify using balena to flash on ssd.
If you want to flash with ssd(NVMe)
Please prepare a native ubuntu. use sdk manager or manual flash.

Thanks

Is there any documentation on these steps? I have flashed the Jetson using SDK. However, I am having issues with switching the storage over to the SSD instead of the EMMC.

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