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Configuring the RTC Clock on the NVIDIA Jetson

Introduction​

  • In this tutorial, we will configure a Real-Time Clock (RTC) on an NVIDIA Jetson module mounted on the Aerium Lumen/Helios carrier.
  • This guide ensures that your Jetson keeps accurate time even without an internet connection or NTP server, by using a hardware RTC with a backup battery.
  • By the end, your Jetson will boot with a valid date and time directly from the RTC, even in offline or isolated environments.

What You Will Need​

Before we dive into the setup, make sure you have the following:

  • Aerium Lumen/Helios carrier board with NVIDIA Jetson module
    The Aerium Lumen/Helios NVIDIA Jetson carrier board which includes onboard RTC battery socket.

  • Backup coin-cell battery
    A compatible coin-cell battery connected to the RTC so that it keeps time when the system is powered off. For example: MS621FE by Seiko Instruments Inc

  • Jetson Linux environment
    A Jetson running Ubuntu-based JetPack / L4T with terminal access (local or SSH).

Configuring the RTC​

Step 1: System Boot​

  • Power on and boot the board normally
  • open CLI either by using SSH or other preferred methods

Step 2: System clock sanity check​

  • Run the following command to inspect the current status of the system clocks.

    aerium-rtc

Step 3: Update the system clock​

  • Set the system time either by configuring NTP or running the manual command below:

        sudo date -s "2025-01-01 16:30"

    NOTE: use the actual required time, the text above is an example.

  • Verify the new clock has been set

    aerium-rtc

Step 4: Set the RTC clock​

  • Set the system time either by configuring NTP or running the command below:

        sudo hwclock --systohc

    aerium-rtc

Step 5: Reboot​

  • Reboot the board and run the command below to verify all clocks are updated and aligned 
        timedatectl