code: function() { 
  			// if the field is empty :
  			if( this.getValue() === this.options.valueSeparator ) {
  				return this.options.required ? inputEx.stateRequired : inputEx.stateEmpty;
  			}
  			return this.validate() ? inputEx.stateValid : inputEx.stateInvalid;
  		}
docs: HACK because empty state value is this.options.valueSeparator