Should a new EPM3064A be 'blank'?

[Illusionist]

I got some 'new/old stock' EPM3064A CPLDs from China... possibly dodgy, I know, but at £1 each it was worth a punt for a hobbyist. They came in a cut off piece of a large antistatic tray and look new.

The Quartus II programmer identifies them OK, but they fail a blank check.  Should new/unused devices pass?

Since I've never bought a new CPLD from a real supplier, I don't know if they should pass or if there is some 'manufacturing configuration' on them or something.

The one I tested programmed and functioned OK, but I'm concerned about using one in a project in case it proves to have a fault due to being a pull. If they are pulls I'll put in a claim.

At least the jtag pins weren't reassigned like the load of used 7128s I once bought (thank The Great Prophet Zarquon for access to a master programmer!)

[Mr. Scram]

Always assume anything from unofficial sources are counterfeits or pulls. It'd be naive to think you can get this kind of kit through dodgy channels and get pristine new chips.

[Illusionist]

I know, but they could also be exactly what was advertised. Those chips have been around for long enough. If they are pulls, they've been cleaned up remarkably well because I can't tell.

My question remains...

[rstofer]

For the hobbyist, what difference does it make?  Does it function?  Does it do what you want?  Then, it's fine.  Just don't try to market anything with floor sweepings from China.

[Illusionist]

It matters because as I said in my OP:

"I'm concerned about using one in a project in case it proves to have a fault due to being a pull."

Until it's soldered onto a board, I won't know if it functions properly. Then I'm left trying to repair a board if it doesn't.

Anyway, I pointed out the fact to the seller, who immediately issued a refund with no further comments. I guess that answered my question.

[ejeffrey]

Even if they are "new old stock" it is possible they are from a production overstock in which case they could easily have been factory programmed but never assembled.  There is no way to tell.

I honestly wouldn't let the existence of a pre-existing image sway me.  If I was willing to take a chance on a $1 part from a dodgy seller I would go ahead and try anyway.  If I were that concerned about soldering it onto a board and finding it non-functional I would be buying parts from an authorized distributor in the first place.