ICY BOX

Interesting facts about the new USB 3.1 standard
The USB interface has been the standard for PC hardware and the new USB 3.1 standard entails several improvements. Not only the data transfer rates are much faster but also the charging of smart devices. And finally, the reversible-plug connector is introduced to USB as well.

Compared to USB 3.0 the transfer rates are doubled, thus the USB 3.1 interface achieves speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s which makes the interface fast enough to even max out current SSDs.

Another novelty, the reversible-plug USB Type-C connector, can be plugged into an appropriate USB Type-C connector. Without worrying about its directions, it will fit either way. USB Type-C is able to connect monitors via its USB interface. At the same time, data can flow further using the very same USB port. Theoretically, the transfer rates should suffice to connect 5K monitors which are not yet widely-used.

On top of that the new Type-C connector allows the use of Power Delivery (PD). A feature which provides the possibility to charge devices using up to 100 Watt. Supposably, even notebooks could be charged via USB. In the near future it might even be possible for the new Type-C interface to become the new standard for smartphones, tablets and other smart devices because of the connector's small size.

The already well-established USB 3.0 interfaces Type-A and Micro-B will still be preserved for the future, though, and will also have transfer rates of up to 10 Gbit/s. Whether Type-C is completely going to replace the old-established USB interfaces is yet to be awaited. In the meanwhile, the compatibility between the old USB types and the new Type-C is ensured by already available USB adapters or a PCI-E expansion card. This way the new USB type remains compatible with older PCs or notebooks, even without having Type-C ports.

IP protection classes and their meaning
Several ICY BOX and KeySonic products have a so called IP protection class (e.g. IP54 or IP66). This IP indication specifies the level of protection against certain environmental conditions, particularly against foreign particles (e.g. dust) and water.

The IP protection classes are defined by two digits and are subdivided into different levels. While the first digit specifies the protection against foreign particles, the second digit defines the degree of protection against moisture.

IP protection classes:

Level      Meaning
0               No protection
1               Protection against objects with a diameter > 50 mm
2               Protection against objects with a diameter > 12.5 mm
3               Protection against objects with a diameter > 2.5 mm
4               Protection against objects with a diameter > 1.0 mm
5               Dust protected
6               Dust tight

Level      Meaning
1               Protection against dripping water
2               Protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15°
3               Protection against spraying water
4               Protection against splashing of water
5               Protection against water jets
6               Protection against powerful water jets
7               Protection against temporary immersion
8               Protection against permanent immersion
9               Protection against high-pressure cleaning / steam cleaning

This means that the external ICY BOX enclosure IB-276U3 with protection level IP66 is dust tight and protected against powerful water jets.

In addition to the dust and water proof IB-276U3, there is the IB-278U3 (IP54) and the IB-279U3 (IP65), all of which are external enclosures for 2.5" drives. Regarding KeySonic keyboards mainly those from the industrial line (like KSK-5230IN) comply with IP68 protection class.