SLAA380B December 2007 – September 2018 MSP430F2616 , MSP430F2617 , MSP430F2618 , MSP430F2619
One of the major differences between MSP430F16x and MSP430F261x devices is the serial communication module. On the MSP430F261x, the USCI module is implemented. It is the next generation MSP430 communication module offering more features and functionality to the user. The USART (MSP430F16x) and USCI modules are not software compatible and, therefore, MSP430F16x software using the USART module needs to be adapted to make use of the USCI module.
The MSP430F261x features two independent and identical USCI modules, whereby both provide two communication channels that operate simultaneously. With the MSP430F261x, for example, it is possible to service four SPI communication channels or two I2C plus two UART channels simultaneously.
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 in the following sections 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.