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Power Bank Golden Sample Approval Checklist

A release-gate checklist for locking the approved golden sample, exact product revision, BOM, appearance, charging behavior, packaging and validation basis before production.

ZEROSET Editorial TeamUpdated September 28, 2026Resources8 min read
RELEASE GATE · GOLDEN SAMPLE

The golden sample should define what production must reproduce.

Link the physical approval sample to the exact specification, BOM, artwork and revision so later substitutions or changes can be identified and reviewed.

AI-generated ZEROSET validation visual

Golden Sample Release — 4 Checks

Use these four checks to decide whether the sample can become the controlled production reference.

Golden sample production baseline review01 · Physical Reference

Identify the exact approved unit and where the retained reference is controlled.

Model / SKU: ___
Golden sample ID: ___
Quantity retained: ___
Photo / seal / tag: ___
Buyer / factory location: ___

Golden sample physical reference control02 · Controlled Revision

Make the sample and released documents point to the same product state.

Specification revision: ___
BOM / approved components: ___
PCBA / firmware: ___
Cell / PACK: ___
Mechanical / CMF / artwork: ___

Golden sample written baseline and revision control03 · Validation & Packaging

Confirm the released state is supported by the required engineering and packaging evidence.

Input / output / PD-PPS: ___
Thermal / reliability result: ___
Ports / cable / mechanism: ___
Packaging / label / manual: ___
Compliance / transport evidence: ___

04 · Sign-Off & Change Control

Release only with named approval and visible deviations.

Accepted deviations: ___
Temporary concessions: ___
Buyer approver / date: ___
Factory approver / date: ___
Release: Approved / Conditional / Hold

Release Decision & Next Step

Approved

Sample and controlled documents agree.

Conditional

Limited open items have owner and closure evidence.

Deviated

Known difference is explicitly accepted for a defined revision or lot.

Hold

Do not release until the reference state is corrected and rechecked.

Reliability Validation →  ·  NPI / Pilot Build →  ·  Factory & Quality Evidence →

Rule: any later change to the cell, firmware, PCBA, cable, housing, CMF or packaging requires impact review before production release.

After approval: keep the golden sample linked to the final specification and BOM. If the project changes platform, internal architecture or housing, return to Custom Development before release.

Start a Project Review →

Power Bank Golden Sample FAQ

What is a golden sample?

A golden sample is the approved physical production reference that matches the released specification, BOM, firmware, CMF, labeling and packaging state.

How is a golden sample different from a development sample?

A development sample may still contain open engineering items. A golden sample represents the frozen approved state used to control production.

What documents should be linked to the golden sample?

Link the released specification, BOM, drawings, firmware revision where applicable, artwork, packaging files, approved deviations and relevant validation records.

Should the battery and PCB be identified in the golden sample record?

Yes. The approved battery or PACK basis, PCB revision and charging configuration should be traceable to the same released product state.

What should be checked before declaring a sample golden?

Confirm function, appearance, dimensions, weight, charging behavior, ports and cables, labels, packaging and the agreement between the physical unit and released documents.

Can a golden sample contain open deviations?

Only if limited deviations are formally accepted, documented and linked to an owner or controlled exception. Critical issues should be closed before release.

What happens if production uses a different component from the golden sample?

The substitution should go through change control. Assess the impact, update the revision and repeat affected validation before using the new configuration in production.

How should golden samples be stored and identified?

Use clear model and revision identification, protect the sample from damage and keep it available for comparison during production, quality review and supplier discussions.

Does a golden sample replace written specifications?

No. The golden sample controls physical reference points, while specifications and BOMs control measurable and component-level requirements. Both should refer to the same revision.

What comes after golden-sample approval?

Complete the required reliability validation and NPI or pilot build, then confirm the factory can reproduce the approved state before mass-production release.

Ready to Lock the Golden Sample?

Use the checklist with the approved specification and BOM so the production release basis is clear before pilot build or mass production.