I'm of the opinion that the guy should get help solving his stated problem, and not substituting another problem.

Yes, it does use a lot of pins, and, yes, there might be other solutions avaialable. In fact, it is quite appropriate to suggest other approaches, but NOT UNTIL HIS QUESTION HAS BEEN FULLY ANSWERED.

The O/P gives no indication that he needs those pins, but he does say he wants to use that external UART/BRG. Why not help him solve THAT problem?

When he asks what time it is, it's not helpful to tell him how to build a clock. He still won't know what time it is.

RE