Fake Cyclone III ?

[Altera_Forum]

I have problem I unable to understand. On designed PCB who is checked regarding design number of times my Cyclone III is detected but not exact part that I have. Instead EP3C40F484C8N EP3C16 is detected, also it detects that Some Cyclone IV is there also. Pls look at the img attached. And again it can't be due to PCB design since device is detected, DR is there but wrong one reporting wrong device. Also the same thing on all Quartus versions I have tried who support CIII devices. Is there something else I can do? Could it be because USB blaster?

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 I think that this is because these 2 FPGA share the same JTAG id code, please note the following table screenshots from the cyclone3/cyclone4 handbook:  Best regards,  Jelle

[Altera_Forum]

Yes it is normal that some devices share the same ID but it is not normal that I have detected Ep3C16 instead Ep3C40. 

Part number for Ep3C40 is 0010 0000 1111 0100 and for Ep3C16 is 0010 0000 1111 0010 so if we compare only 2 BITS are different, how something like that can happen?

[Altera_Forum]

Ok here we go I found definitive prof that this is fake so watch out ppl what you are buying since my project is now delayed for long time probably. I said print on the chip is Ep3C40 and no difference comparing to regular one. So let's explain. 

On EP3C40F484C8N I have used in my design pin U17 is like any other regular I/O pin, the same pin on EP3C16F484C8N is used like VCCINT pin. I used that pin for SDRAM_A9 so measuring that pin on my SDRAM chip I found out that 1.2V are on it or in fact VCCINT FPGA core voltage. All clear and watch what you are buying. How to recognize what is good , now I don't know anymore and I m afraid to order more parts because of this because I don't know what I m ordering until I test them.

[Altera_Forum]

http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10568&stc=1  

http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10569&stc=1  Here are the pictures, this is after soldering so it is messy, it had perfect labeling when I get it. Can someone spot something I can't?

[Altera_Forum]

Take pictures of the top of the package. 

 If the part was scrubbed and re-marked, it is very possible to detect the issue from official markings.  I would never buy again from the supplier you received these parts from.  Pete

[Altera_Forum]

Always buy from authorized distributor:)

[Altera_Forum]

Yes this should be lesson for everyone. 

And I couldn't resist I had to see what's inside :) https://www.alteraforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10662