We've got a new batch of Philips P87C54X2BN's in and the EMP-11 programmer displays an error message for an incorrect device ID: 0xFF instead of 0xBB. But if we continue to program it, it does. I don't think it's the EMP because it can correctly identify older parts. It reads the manufacturers ID for either batch correctly (0x15).

I noticed that the font is different between these batches. Could these new ones be counterfeit? Or is it a just a Philips bug in the latest die?

Here are the device markings:
Old (good device ID read)
P87C54X2BN
CB9650
Tn0326A

New (bad device ID read)
P87C54X2BN
CB0521
TS0230A

I assume that the 2nd line is the date code: 1996, week 50 and 2005, week 21, respectively. But what is the last line? And does the CB in the second line have any relevance?

tom

ps I've already posted this to Philips. I'll let you know what I find out.