SLAA381C December 2007 – September 2018 MSP430F233 , MSP430F235 , MSP430F2410 , MSP430F247 , MSP430F248 , MSP430F249
One of the major differences between F13x/F14x and F23x/F24x MCUs is the serial communication module. On the F23x/F24x, the USCI module is implemented. USCI is the next-generation MSP430 communication module, offering more features and functionality to the user. USART (F13x/F14x) and USCI (F23x/F24x) modules are not software compatible and, therefore, F13x/F14x software using the USART module must be adapted to make use of the USCI module.
The F24x MCUs have two independent and identical USCI modules, both of which provide two communication channels that operate simultaneously. With the F24x, for example, it is possible to service four SPI communication channels or two I2C channels and two UART channels, simultaneously. The F23x MCUs have one USCI module and support two independent communication channels. I2C operation is not available on F13x/F14x MCUs.
It is not in the scope of this application report to discuss all possible aspects regarding migrating application code to use the USCI interface; however, a few items are outlined to highlight major differences between the devices (and the modules). In general, it is strongly recommended to carefully review both module descriptions in the appropriate device family user’s guide [1][2], as well as to use the USCI code examples provided in the product folders on the MSP430 website as a starting point for any code that is newly created.