Jetson Linux Quick Start Guide

NVIDIA Jetson modules are for deployment in production environments while Jetson developer kits are for development and testing purposes. The developer kits include non-production-specification Jetson modules attached to reference carrier boards.

Variable set on your host system that determines the Jetson Linux release package filename, for example: Jetson_Linux_L4TRELEASEVERSION.tbz2.

Jetson Developer Kits include a non-production-specification Jetson module attached to a reference carrier board. You can use it to develop and test software for your use case.

Variable set on your host system that provides the filename of the sample file system package, such as Tegra_Linux_Sample-Root-Filesystem_L4TRELEASEVERSION.tbz2.

Variable set on your host system that specifies the combination of Jetson module and carrier board you are using, for instance: jetson-agx-orin-devkit for a Jetson AGX Orin module and the Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit.

Jetson Modules are ideal for deployment in production environments. They are designed to be embedded in your final product and don't come with any software preinstalled. You need to attach them to a custom carrier board and flash them with the software you developed.

NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin, Jetson Xavier NX series, and Jetson AGX Xavier series modules and their respective developer kits are supported by this release of Jetson Linux.

A development module intended for creating and testing applications.

To prepare a Jetson Developer Kit for use, you need to flash it with the appropriate software.

A production module designed for use in real-world applications, often sold separately.

You need a separate Linux host system to flash the software to your Jetson Developer Kit. The host system should be connected to the developer kit through a USB port and have a wired Ethernet connection for software installation on the developer kit.

A special state that allows you to reflash or update your Jetson's software.

For the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier Developer Kit, you should use the USB-C port next to the power button for flashing. For other Jetson Developer Kits, use the micro USB port.

A command used to install the Jetson Linux release onto your Jetson device.

You need to connect a display device or a serial console to the Jetson Developer Kit for debugging and interaction. A serial console can be a terminal program running on the host computer or another connected computer.

A configuration file that contains settings specific to a particular Jetson module and carrier board.

A special mode that lets you install Jetson software without booting into the operating system.

You can connect a USB hub to your Jetson Developer Kit to connect multiple peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. This is recommended for ease of use during software development and testing.

A wired Ethernet connection with internet access is required when installing optional software on the Jetson Developer Kit after you have flashed it with the Jetson Linux software.

A command that shows the list of USB devices connected to your computer, including the Jetson device.

Jetson developer kits are pre-built devices designed for software development and testing. They include a non-production-specification Jetson module, which is a powerful computer on a board, connected to a carrier board that provides connectors and interfaces.

Jetson modules are designed for deployment in real-world applications. They are compact, powerful computers that you can embed in your final product. You need to attach them to a carrier board that you design or procure separately.

You can flash a Jetson developer kit with the appropriate software image using a separate Linux host computer. This process installs the operating system and other essential software onto the developer kit.

To flash a Jetson developer kit, you need to connect it to a Linux host computer using a USB cable. The specific USB port to use depends on the Jetson developer kit model. For the Jetson AGX Xavier Developer Kit, use the USB-C port next to the power button.

You can use a serial console, which is basically a terminal program on your host computer, to interact with the developer kit during the flashing process.

After flashing the developer kit, you need a wired Ethernet connection with internet access to install any optional software. This is necessary for getting the latest updates and features.

The Jetson Linux release package is the software image that you flash onto your Jetson developer kit. It contains the operating system and other crucial software needed for the device to function.

The Jetson Linux Release Package filename includes the version number. It often looks like "Jetson_Linux_L4TRELEASEVERSION.tbz2". You can find this filename in the instructions or download page.

The BOARD variable specifies the specific combination of Jetson module and carrier board you are using. For example, "jetson-agx-orin-devkit" represents the Jetson AGX Orin module with the Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit.

The SAMPLE_FS_PACKAGE variable refers to the sample file system package, which has a filename similar to "Tegra_Linux_Sample-Root-Filesystem_L4TRELEASEVERSION.tbz2". This package provides a basic file system for your development work.

Contains the filename of the Jetson Linux release package, e.g., "Jetson_Linux_L4TRELEASEVERSION.tbz2".

Contains the filename of the sample file system package, e.g., "Tegra_Linux_Sample-Root-Filesystem_L4TRELEASEVERSION.tbz2".

Specifies the combination of Jetson module and carrier board used. Examples include "jetson-agx-orin-devkit" and "jetson-xavier-nx-devkit".

A special state that allows you to reflash or update your Jetson's software. It's critical for installing or reinstalling the Jetson Linux operating system.

The command used to install the Jetson Linux release onto your Jetson device.

The Jetson module is in Force Recovery Mode. This means you can now flash a new operating system or update the current one.

Production modules are intended for use in real-world applications and are sold separately. They are compatible with listed carrier boards, but require external software installation and configuration.

The Jetson developer kit should be connected to a Linux host system via a USB port for flashing. The host system needs a wired Ethernet connection with internet access to download and install necessary software.

A development module intended for creating and testing applications. These are typically embedded within complete developer kits.

Each configuration file, named after the corresponding "BOARD" value with a ".conf" extension, contains settings specific to a particular Jetson module and carrier board.