SLAU533D September 2013 – April 2017
In the function initPorts(), all of the I/Os are configured to drive out-low. Later, in bcUartInit(), the USCI_A1 module's UART pins will be configured for the backchannel UART.
The purpose of initPorts() is to eliminate floating inputs. These are a source of unexpected power draw, so it is a good practice to either drive all I/Os out or make sure any inputs are being pulled high or low from the outside. If you drive an I/O out, make sure this does not negatively affect some other component on the board.