ATEN VM1600A 16x16 Modular Digital Matrix Chassis
Overview
The VM1600A is a 6U rack-mount modular matrix chassis from ATEN's ATEN video matrix line designed for large-venue AV distribution installations where signal routing requirements evolve over time. With four input board slots and four output board slots, each slot accepting modular interface cards, this chassis supports a maximum 16x16 routing matrix — giving AV engineers the flexibility to mix and match signal types (HDMI, HDBaseT, fiber, and others depending on installed boards) within a single frame rather than deploying separate matrix switchers per format. Maximum aggregate data throughput is 15.2 Gbps (3.8 Gbps per lane), which comfortably handles 4K signals on compatible interface boards. If you're planning a video matrix switch deployment that needs to scale or adapt to changing source/display formats without replacing the entire frame, the VM1600A chassis is the right starting point.
Compatibility
The VM1600A accepts ATEN modular input and output boards from the VM Series — including but not limited to HDMI, DVI, HDBaseT, and fiber interface cards. Output signal format and resolution depend entirely on which output boards are installed; the chassis itself imposes no fixed output format. EDID management is handled onboard with four modes — Default, Port1, Remix, and Customized — with full EDID Wizard support for custom EDID programming, which matters when integrating displays with non-standard EDID tables. The chassis exposes a single RJ-45 management port for network control and supports a RESTful API (documented in ATEN's vm_restful_api reference) for integration with room control and automation systems. Firmware is field-upgradeable; current release is v4.4.433 (2025-12-19). For broader context on ATEN matrix and switching products, see the ATEN catalog.
Installation Notes
The VM1600A mounts in a standard 19-inch equipment rack at 6U height. Input power is auto-ranging 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, drawing 3A at 240V or 6A at 120V — verify your rack PDU circuit capacity before installing, particularly in dense multi-chassis deployments. The internal fan array delivers 55.2 cfm airflow; operating voltage range for the fan subsystem is 10.2–12 VDC, operating temperature range is -10°C to 60°C, and ambient humidity must remain below 80% RH non-condensing. Allow adequate rack clearance front and rear for airflow — do not install directly above high-heat devices without a 1U gap. Board slots are populated after chassis installation; seat interface boards firmly and verify card seating before applying power.
