QualityStar Quality Program

67 steps between the open market
and your production line.

PCX, INC developed the 67-step Star Quality Program to ensure our customers receive only the authentic, genuine product they ordered. Here it is — the whole program, step by step. Welcome to zero trust.

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67documented steps

6inspection phases

4packaging formats covered

IDEA‑STD‑1010‑Binspection standard

01Receiving & Package Integrity

J-STD-033 · MSL / HIC

Every shipment is weighed, photographed, and inspected for tampering before a single bag is opened.

Weigh product contents and record
Inspect outer package for evidence of damage
Photograph and record any findings
Inspect the sealing tape for evidence of tampering

All 20 steps in this phase

If damage or tampering is present, note findings and alert vendor and carrier for a possible freight claim
Inspect package for any signs of damage or signs of being opened
Photograph contents in the box if they exhibit damage, tampering, or nonconformance
Photograph labels and sealing tape if they exhibit damage, tampering, or nonconformance
Inspect sealing tapes
Inspect labels and verify data
Examine the box and compare with manufacturer’s packaging
Scan barcode to verify information is readable
Inspect inner contents, packaging, bag seal and labels; photograph any damage
Inspect bag seal
Compare inner labels with outer carton labels and photograph
Verify bag seal date against product date code
Scan the bar code to verify it matches the product identification; record results
Verify packaging meets the required Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) and compare the MSL level with the datasheet
Verify the package is ESD compliant
Read and record status of the Humidity Indicator Card (HIC); test card validity per J-STD-033

02Carrier-Specific Verification

Tubes · Reels · Trays · Bulk

Each packaging format gets its own checklist — because counterfeiters get the details wrong.

Tubes

Factory-packaged tubes imprinted with manufacturer name/logo
All tubes the same length, clean and new — not yellowed or scratched
Parts oriented the same direction in every tube
Quantity per tube is consistent
All tubes have matching stoppers

Reels

Labels and label placement verified; barcode scan matches printed label
Reel size and material match the manufacturer spec sheet
Factory reel has proper leader tape
Reel count verified — no empty pockets; cover film properly attached
Part orientation in tape matches manufacturer spec; no splices or cuts

Trays

Banding color and width as expected; preprinted markings noted
Trays oriented consistently with a protective top tray
Cardboard cover verified antistatic where present
Chip orientation consistent with no missing pieces
Date/lot codes recorded and matched to outer packaging

Bulk

Count verified
Bag correct for part type (ESD or moisture-barrier)
Manufacturer markings on bag checked against spec sheet
Barcode scan and printed label verified consistent
Date and lot codes recorded

03Labeling & Documentation

IDEA-STD-1010-B §10.2

Paperwork is part of the part. Labels, codes, and origins must agree everywhere they appear.

Verify part number, manufacturer, and quantity match the purchase order and packing slip
Verify an original factory label is present — never a label over a label
Confirm the manufacturer’s logo is printed correctly; inspect spelling; label must not smudge
Verify and record country of origin, date codes, and lot codes — consistent throughout the packaging
Confirm the date code meets any restrictions in the purchase agreement
Record any signs of damage to product or packaging

04Visual Inspection

IDEA-STD-1010-B §10.3.1

Marking, package, and leads under magnification — the classic tells of remarking, blacktopping, and salvage.

Verify logo and markings match manufacturer specifications; confirm no re-marking or re-stamping
Confirm markings are consistent part-to-part, top and bottom — placement, font, color, texture
Inspect laser marks for burn holes from aftermarket laser equipment
Inspect for inconsistencies in package indents — shape, size, location

All 15 steps in this phase

Confirm no burn or blister marks or evidence of excessive heat
Ensure no colored dots or ink marks indicating previous testing or programming (unless required by the order)
Look for flux or chemical residue, tool marks, or heat-sink markings indicating refurbished parts
Confirm no cracks on part surfaces
Verify lead/pin count and formation (DIP, SMB, gull wing, etc.) match the datasheet
Inspect for damaged leads — bent, scratched, broken, dented, missing, coplanarity — signs of salvage or mishandling
Ensure leads are not oxidized, re-tinned (re-balled for BGAs), corroded, or contaminated
Check lead gloss against date code — too shiny for old codes or too dull for new is a red flag
Confirm no scratches inside or outside leads; scratches under BGA spheres typically indicate re-balling
Inspect BGAs, LGAs, terminals, lugs, and connectors for use, refurbishment, mishandling, or contamination
Photograph markings front and back for records; document and photograph any nonconformance

05Solvent & Surface Testing

IDEA-STD-1010-B §10.3.2

Chemistry doesn’t lie. Swab tests expose remarked and blacktopped parts.

Device Marking Test — mineral spirits & alcohol swab to test for remarking
Device Surface Test — acetone swab to test for blacktopping
Scrape Test, as needed

06Mechanical Inspection

IDEA-STD-1010-B §10.3.3

Dimensions against the datasheet, down to thickness variation.

Determine acceptable tolerance ranges for each measurement from the manufacturer datasheet
Measure, verify, and record package dimensions
Measure for thickness variation

Built on the industry’s standards.

The program implements and references AS6081, IDEA-STD-1010-B, J-STD-033, and ANSI/ESD S20.20, among others — the same standards our certifications are audited against.

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Source with confidence and global reach.

Every PCX shipment goes through all 67 steps of the Star Quality Program — quality verified.

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