Merge branch 'next' into usrp1

23 files changed, 275 insertions, 218 deletions

diff --git a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_iface.hpp b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_iface.hpp
index fc7ea3052..e776ecc42 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_iface.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_iface.hpp
@@ -65,11 +65,34 @@ public:
         AUX_ADC_B = 'b'
     };
 
+    //! Special properties that differentiate this daughterboard slot
+    struct special_props_t{
+        /*!
+         * Soft clock divider:
+         * When a motherboard cannot provided a divided dboard clock,
+         * it may provided a "soft" divided clock over an FPGA GPIO.
+         * The implementation must know the type of clock provided.
+         */
+        bool soft_clock_divider;
+
+        /*!
+         * Mangle i2c addresses:
+         * When i2c is shared across multiple daugterboard slots,
+         * the i2c addresses will be mangled on the secondary slot
+         * to avoid conflicts between slots in the i2c address space.
+         * The mangling is daguhterboard specific so the implementation
+         * needs to know whether it should use mangled addresses or not.
+         */
+        bool mangle_i2c_addrs;
+    };
+
     /*!
-     * Get the motherboard name of the form: usrp1, usrp2...
-     * \return string representing the motherboard name
+     * Get special properties information for this dboard slot.
+     * This call helps the dboard code to handle implementation
+     * differences between different motherboards and dboard slots.
+     * \return the special properties struct
      */
-    virtual std::string get_mboard_name(void) = 0;
+    virtual special_props_t get_special_props(void) = 0;
 
     /*!
      * Write to an aux dac.
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp
index e5831d4cf..c68f069f0 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ public:
         const dboard_id_t &dboard_id,
         dboard_ctor_t dboard_ctor,
         const std::string &name,
-        const prop_names_t &subdev_names = prop_names_t(1, "")
+        const prop_names_t &subdev_names = prop_names_t(1, "0")
     );
 
     /*!
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp b/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp
index 1b5eacfa9..53c571e4e 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp
@@ -22,6 +22,9 @@
 #include <boost/range/begin.hpp>
 #include <boost/range/end.hpp>
 #include <boost/range/size.hpp>
+#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
 
 /*! \file algorithm.hpp
  * Useful templated functions and classes that I like to pretend are part of stl.
@@ -30,6 +33,24 @@
 namespace std{
 
     /*!
+     * Split a string at the separation characters.
+     * \param string the string to split
+     * \param sep the separator characters
+     * \return a range of strings
+     */
+    inline std::vector<std::string> split_string(
+        const std::string &string, const std::string &sep = "\t "
+    ){
+        std::vector<std::string> strings;
+        if (not string.empty()) boost::split(
+            // do not split an empty string:
+            // let me tell you about the time when boost::split segfaulted...
+            strings, string, boost::is_any_of(sep)
+        );
+        return strings;
+    }
+
+    /*!
      * A wrapper around std::copy that takes ranges instead of iterators.
      *
      * Copy the elements of the source range into the destination range.
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/utils/props.hpp b/host/include/uhd/utils/props.hpp
index f376d2612..fbca03019 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/utils/props.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/utils/props.hpp
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@
 #include <uhd/config.hpp>
 #include <uhd/wax.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/exception.hpp>
-#include <boost/tuple/tuple.hpp>
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <vector>
 #include <string>
@@ -36,8 +35,25 @@ namespace uhd{
      * Allows properties to be sub-sectioned by name.
      */
     struct UHD_API named_prop_t{
-        wax::obj key;
-        std::string name;
+        const wax::obj key;
+        const std::string name;
+
+        //! Convert the key to the specified type
+        template<typename T> inline T as(void){
+            return key.as<T>();
+        }
+
+        /*!
+         * Utility function to convert generic key into a named prop.
+         * If the key was already a named prop, the prop will be split.
+         * Otherwise, the key will be the key, and the name will be used.
+         * \param key a reference to the prop object
+         * \param name a reference to the name object
+         * \return a named property struct with key and name
+         */
+        static named_prop_t extract(
+            const wax::obj &key, const std::string &name = ""
+        );
 
         /*!
          * Create a new named prop from key and name.
@@ -48,17 +64,6 @@ namespace uhd{
     };
 
     /*!
-     * Utility function to separate a named property into its components.
-     * \param key a reference to the prop object
-     * \param name a reference to the name object
-     * \return a tuple that can be used with boost::tie
-     */
-    UHD_API boost::tuple<wax::obj, std::string> extract_named_prop(
-        const wax::obj &key,
-        const std::string &name = ""
-    );
-
-    /*!
      * Throw when getting a not-implemented or write-only property.
      * Throw-site information will be included with this error.
      */
diff --git a/host/lib/types.cpp b/host/lib/types.cpp
index 5c0fb1f42..f957cd83f 100644
--- a/host/lib/types.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/types.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@
 #include <uhd/types/otw_type.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/io_type.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/serial.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
 #include <boost/math/special_functions/round.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
@@ -181,15 +180,10 @@ static std::string trim(const std::string &in){
 }
 
 device_addr_t::device_addr_t(const std::string &args){
-    //split the args at the semi-colons
-    std::vector<std::string> pairs;
-    boost::split(pairs, args, boost::is_any_of(arg_delim));
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, pairs){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, std::split_string(args, arg_delim)){
         if (trim(pair) == "") continue;
 
-        //split the key value pairs at the equals
-        std::vector<std::string> key_val;
-        boost::split(key_val, pair, boost::is_any_of(pair_delim));
+        std::vector<std::string> key_val = std::split_string(pair, pair_delim);
         if (key_val.size() != 2) throw std::runtime_error("invalid args string: "+args);
         (*this)[trim(key_val.front())] = trim(key_val.back());
     }
@@ -238,13 +232,12 @@ mac_addr_t mac_addr_t::from_string(const std::string &mac_addr_str){
             throw std::runtime_error("expected exactly 5 or 17 characters");
 
         //split the mac addr hex string at the colons
-        std::vector<std::string> hex_strs;
-        boost::split(hex_strs, mac_addr_str, boost::is_any_of(":"));
-        for (size_t i = 0; i < hex_strs.size(); i++){
+        size_t i = 0;
+        BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &hex_str, std::split_string(mac_addr_str, ":")){
             int hex_num;
-            std::istringstream iss(hex_strs[i]);
+            std::istringstream iss(hex_str);
             iss >> std::hex >> hex_num;
-            bytes[i] = boost::uint8_t(hex_num);
+            bytes[i++] = boost::uint8_t(hex_num);
         }
 
     }
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
index 9180828d8..f8236d598 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
@@ -95,8 +95,7 @@ basic_rx::~basic_rx(void){
 }
 
 void basic_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -161,8 +160,7 @@ void basic_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void basic_rx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -194,8 +192,7 @@ basic_tx::~basic_tx(void){
 }
 
 void basic_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -252,8 +249,7 @@ void basic_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void basic_tx::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp
index 03e6b6255..06cf91d3b 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_dbsrx.cpp
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ static const uhd::dict<std::string, gain_range_t> dbsrx_gain_ranges = map_list_o
  **********************************************************************/
 class dbsrx : public rx_dboard_base{
 public:
-    dbsrx(ctor_args_t args, boost::uint8_t max2118_addr);
+    dbsrx(ctor_args_t args);
     ~dbsrx(void);
 
     void rx_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val);
@@ -73,7 +73,9 @@ private:
     uhd::dict<std::string, float> _gains;
     max2118_write_regs_t _max2118_write_regs;
     max2118_read_regs_t _max2118_read_regs;
-    boost::uint8_t _max2118_addr; //0x67 or 0x65 depending on which side
+    boost::uint8_t _max2118_addr(void){
+        return (this->get_iface()->get_special_props().mangle_i2c_addrs)? 0x65 : 0x67;
+    };
 
     void set_lo_freq(double target_freq);
     void set_gain(float gain, const std::string &name);
@@ -102,7 +104,7 @@ private:
 
             //send the data
             this->get_iface()->write_i2c(
-                _max2118_addr, regs_vector
+                _max2118_addr(), regs_vector
             );
         }
     }
@@ -120,7 +122,7 @@ private:
 
             //read from i2c
             regs_vector = this->get_iface()->read_i2c(
-                _max2118_addr, num_bytes
+                _max2118_addr(), num_bytes
             );
 
             for(boost::uint8_t i=0; i < num_bytes; i++){
@@ -156,10 +158,8 @@ private:
 /***********************************************************************
  * Register the DBSRX dboard
  **********************************************************************/
-// FIXME 0x67 is the default i2c address on USRP2
-//       need to handle which side for USRP1 with different address
 static dboard_base::sptr make_dbsrx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
-    return dboard_base::sptr(new dbsrx(args, 0x67));
+    return dboard_base::sptr(new dbsrx(args));
 }
 
 //dbid for USRP2 version
@@ -177,27 +177,27 @@ UHD_STATIC_BLOCK(reg_dbsrx_on_usrp1_dboard){
 /***********************************************************************
  * Structors
  **********************************************************************/
-dbsrx::dbsrx(ctor_args_t args, boost::uint8_t max2118_addr) : rx_dboard_base(args){
+dbsrx::dbsrx(ctor_args_t args) : rx_dboard_base(args){
     //warn user about incorrect DBID on USRP1, requires R193 populated
-    if (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name() == "usrp1" and this->get_rx_id() == 0x000D)
+    if (this->get_iface()->get_special_props().soft_clock_divider and this->get_rx_id() == 0x000D)
         uhd::print_warning(
             str(boost::format(
                 "DBSRX: incorrect dbid\n"
-                "%s expects dbid 0x0002 and R193\n"
+                "Expected dbid 0x0002 and R193\n"
                 "found dbid == %d\n"
                 "Please see the daughterboard app notes" 
-                ) % (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name()) % (this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string()))
+                ) % this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string())
         );
 
     //warn user about incorrect DBID on non-USRP1, requires R194 populated
-    if (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name() != "usrp1" and this->get_rx_id() == 0x0002)
+    if (not this->get_iface()->get_special_props().soft_clock_divider and this->get_rx_id() == 0x0002)
         uhd::print_warning(
             str(boost::format(
                 "DBSRX: incorrect dbid\n"
-                "%s expects dbid 0x000D and R194\n"
+                "Expected dbid 0x000D and R194\n"
                 "found dbid == %d\n"
                 "Please see the daughterboard app notes" 
-                ) % (this->get_iface()->get_mboard_name()) % (this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string()))
+                ) % this->get_rx_id().to_pp_string())
         );
 
     //enable only the clocks we need
@@ -207,9 +207,6 @@ dbsrx::dbsrx(ctor_args_t args, boost::uint8_t max2118_addr) : rx_dboard_base(arg
     this->get_iface()->set_pin_ctrl(dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, 0x0); // All unused in atr
     this->get_iface()->set_gpio_ddr(dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, 0x0); // All Inputs
 
-    //set the i2c address for the max2118
-    _max2118_addr = max2118_addr;
-
     //send initial register settings
     this->send_reg(0x0, 0x5);
 
@@ -503,8 +500,7 @@ void dbsrx::set_bandwidth(float bandwidth){
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -517,13 +513,13 @@ void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_gains.keys(), name, "dbsrx gain name");
-        val = _gains[name];
+        assert_has(_gains.keys(), key.name, "dbsrx gain name");
+        val = _gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(dbsrx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "dbsrx gain name");
-        val = dbsrx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(dbsrx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "dbsrx gain name");
+        val = dbsrx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -546,19 +542,6 @@ void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         val = dbsrx_antennas;
         return;
 
-/*
-    case SUBDEV_PROP_QUADRATURE:
-        val = true;
-        return;
-
-    case SUBDEV_PROP_IQ_SWAPPED:
-        val = false;
-        return;
-
-    case SUBDEV_PROP_SPECTRUM_INVERTED:
-        val = false;
-        return;
-*/
     case SUBDEV_PROP_CONNECTION:
         val = SUBDEV_CONN_COMPLEX_IQ;
         return;
@@ -586,8 +569,7 @@ void dbsrx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void dbsrx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -597,7 +579,7 @@ void dbsrx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_BANDWIDTH:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
index b6b44199a..c3ab96e59 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
@@ -398,8 +398,7 @@ double rfx_xcvr::set_lo_freq(
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -412,13 +411,13 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), name, "rfx rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), key.name, "rfx rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "rfx rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "rfx rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -458,8 +457,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void rfx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -469,7 +467,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
@@ -484,8 +482,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -499,7 +496,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(rfx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "rfx tx gain name");
+        assert_has(rfx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "rfx tx gain name");
         //no controllable tx gains, will not get here
         return;
 
@@ -540,8 +537,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void rfx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -551,7 +547,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp
index 9dd9b550b..f6f4f4a61 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_unknown.cpp
@@ -78,8 +78,7 @@ unknown_rx::~unknown_rx(void){
 }
 
 void unknown_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -136,8 +135,7 @@ void unknown_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void unknown_rx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -169,8 +167,7 @@ unknown_tx::~unknown_tx(void){
 }
 
 void unknown_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -227,8 +224,7 @@ void unknown_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void unknown_tx::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp
index 3038ce30b..ccd897674 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_wbx.cpp
@@ -467,8 +467,7 @@ double wbx_xcvr::set_lo_freq(
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void wbx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -481,13 +480,13 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), name, "wbx rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), key.name, "wbx rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(wbx_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "wbx rx gain name");
-        val = wbx_rx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(wbx_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "wbx rx gain name");
+        val = wbx_rx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -527,8 +526,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void wbx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -538,7 +536,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
@@ -553,8 +551,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void wbx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -567,13 +564,13 @@ void wbx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), name, "wbx tx gain name");
-        val = _tx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), key.name, "wbx tx gain name");
+        val = _tx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(wbx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "wbx tx gain name");
-        val = wbx_tx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(wbx_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "wbx tx gain name");
+        val = wbx_tx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -613,8 +610,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void wbx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -624,7 +620,7 @@ void wbx_xcvr::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
index 2c94bcd2d..798ff74a3 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
@@ -438,8 +438,7 @@ void xcvr2450::set_rx_gain(float gain, const std::string &name){
  * RX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -452,13 +451,13 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), name, "xcvr rx gain name");
-        val = _rx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_rx_gains.keys(), key.name, "xcvr rx gain name");
+        val = _rx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(xcvr_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "xcvr rx gain name");
-        val = xcvr_rx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(xcvr_rx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "xcvr rx gain name");
+        val = xcvr_rx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -502,8 +501,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void xcvr2450::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -513,7 +511,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_rx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
@@ -528,8 +526,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX Get and Set
  **********************************************************************/
 void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -542,13 +539,13 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), name, "xcvr tx gain name");
-        val = _tx_gains[name];
+        assert_has(_tx_gains.keys(), key.name, "xcvr tx gain name");
+        val = _tx_gains[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_RANGE:
-        assert_has(xcvr_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), name, "xcvr tx gain name");
-        val = xcvr_tx_gain_ranges[name];
+        assert_has(xcvr_tx_gain_ranges.keys(), key.name, "xcvr tx gain name");
+        val = xcvr_tx_gain_ranges[key.name];
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN_NAMES:
@@ -588,8 +585,7 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 }
 
 void xcvr2450::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
@@ -599,7 +595,7 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_GAIN:
-        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), name);
+        this->set_tx_gain(val.as<float>(), key.name);
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_ANTENNA:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
index 0aa03a6cc..930314fc2 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.cpp
@@ -16,8 +16,12 @@
 //
 
 #include "misc_utils.hpp"
+#include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/gain_group.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_props.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/mboard_props.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/codec_props.hpp>
 #include <boost/bind.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
@@ -112,3 +116,69 @@ gain_group::sptr usrp::make_gain_group(wax::obj subdev, wax::obj codec){
     }
     return gg;
 }
+
+/***********************************************************************
+ * verify subdev specs
+ **********************************************************************/
+static void verify_xx_subdev_spec(
+    mboard_prop_t dboard_names_prop,
+    mboard_prop_t dboard_prop,
+    subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec,
+    wax::obj mboard,
+    std::string xx_type
+){
+    prop_names_t dboard_names = mboard[dboard_names_prop].as<prop_names_t>();
+    UHD_ASSERT_THROW(dboard_names.size() > 0); //well i hope there is a dboard
+
+    //the subdevice specification is empty: handle automatic
+    if (subdev_spec.empty()){
+        BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &db_name, dboard_names){
+            wax::obj dboard = mboard[named_prop_t(dboard_prop, db_name)];
+
+            //if the dboard slot is populated, take the first subdevice
+            if (dboard[DBOARD_PROP_DBOARD_ID].as<dboard_id_t>() != dboard_id_t::none()){
+                std::string sd_name = dboard[DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>().front();
+                subdev_spec.push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t(db_name, sd_name));
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+
+        //didnt find any populated dboards: add the first subdevice
+        if (subdev_spec.empty()){
+            std::string db_name = dboard_names.front();
+            wax::obj dboard = mboard[named_prop_t(dboard_prop, db_name)];
+            std::string sd_name = dboard[DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>().front();
+            subdev_spec.push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t(db_name, sd_name));
+        }
+    }
+
+    //sanity check that the dboard/subdevice names exist for this mboard
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const subdev_spec_pair_t &pair, subdev_spec){
+        //empty db name means select dboard automatically
+        if (pair.db_name.empty()){
+            if (dboard_names.size() != 1) throw std::runtime_error(
+                "A daughterboard name must be provided for multi-slot boards: " + subdev_spec.to_string()
+            );
+            pair.db_name == dboard_names.front();
+        }
+        uhd::assert_has(dboard_names, pair.db_name, xx_type + " dboard name");
+        wax::obj dboard = mboard[named_prop_t(dboard_prop, pair.db_name)];
+        uhd::assert_has(dboard[DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>(), pair.sd_name, xx_type + " subdev name");
+    }
+}
+
+void usrp::verify_rx_subdev_spec(subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec, wax::obj mboard){
+    return verify_xx_subdev_spec(
+        MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD_NAMES,
+        MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD,
+        subdev_spec, mboard, "rx"
+    );
+}
+
+void usrp::verify_tx_subdev_spec(subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec, wax::obj mboard){
+    return verify_xx_subdev_spec(
+        MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD_NAMES,
+        MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD,
+        subdev_spec, mboard, "tx"
+    );
+}
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp
index 7fe3c899d..e5d3bd849 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/misc_utils.hpp
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
 
 #include <uhd/config.hpp>
 #include <uhd/wax.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/subdev_spec.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/gain_group.hpp>
 
 namespace uhd{ namespace usrp{
@@ -29,6 +30,24 @@ namespace uhd{ namespace usrp{
      */
     gain_group::sptr make_gain_group(wax::obj subdev, wax::obj codec);
 
+    /*!
+     * Verify the rx subdevice specification.
+     * If the subdev spec if empty, automatically fill it.
+     * \param subdev_spec the subdev spec to verify/fill
+     * \param mboard the motherboard properties object
+     * \throw exception when the subdev spec is invalid
+     */
+    void verify_rx_subdev_spec(subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec, wax::obj mboard);
+
+    /*!
+     * Verify the tx subdevice specification.
+     * If the subdev spec if empty, automatically fill it.
+     * \param subdev_spec the subdev spec to verify/fill
+     * \param mboard the motherboard properties object
+     * \throw exception when the subdev spec is invalid
+     */
+    void verify_tx_subdev_spec(subdev_spec_t &subdev_spec, wax::obj mboard);
+
 }} //namespace
 
 #endif /* INCLUDED_LIBUHD_USRP_MISC_UTILS_HPP */
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
index 0f00e2f74..7a3e72867 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/subdev_spec.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 //
 
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_spec.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <stdexcept>
@@ -35,12 +35,9 @@ subdev_spec_pair_t::subdev_spec_pair_t(
 }
 
 subdev_spec_t::subdev_spec_t(const std::string &markup){
-    std::vector<std::string> pairs;
-    boost::split(pairs, markup, boost::is_any_of("\t "));
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, pairs){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &pair, std::split_string(markup)){
         if (pair == "") continue;
-        std::vector<std::string> db_sd;
-        boost::split(db_sd, pair, boost::is_any_of(":"));
+        std::vector<std::string> db_sd = std::split_string(pair, ":");
         switch(db_sd.size()){
         case 1: this->push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t("", db_sd.front())); break;
         case 2: this->push_back(subdev_spec_pair_t(db_sd.front(), db_sd.back())); break;
@@ -56,13 +53,9 @@ std::string subdev_spec_t::to_pp_string(void) const{
     size_t count = 0;
     ss << "Subdevice Specification:" << std::endl;
     BOOST_FOREACH(const subdev_spec_pair_t &pair, *this){
-        std::string db_name = pair.db_name;
-        if (db_name == "") db_name = "0";
-        std::string sd_name = pair.sd_name;
-        if (sd_name == "") sd_name = "0";
         ss << boost::format(
             "    Channel %d: Daughterboard %s, Subdevice %s"
-        ) % (count++) % db_name % sd_name << std::endl;
+        ) % (count++) % pair.db_name % pair.sd_name << std::endl;
     }
     return ss.str();
 }
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp
index b9d51abf5..fc917b102 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/codec_impl.cpp
@@ -40,9 +40,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::codec_init(void){
 /***********************************************************************
  * RX Codec Properties
  **********************************************************************/
-void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val){
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<codec_prop_t>()){
@@ -69,9 +67,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_codec_set(const wax::obj &, const wax::obj &){
 /***********************************************************************
  * TX Codec Properties
  **********************************************************************/
-void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_codec_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val){
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<codec_prop_t>()){
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
index 1b9a4bb97..8bded1ea3 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
@@ -37,7 +37,12 @@ public:
     usrp2_dboard_iface(usrp2_iface::sptr iface, usrp2_clock_ctrl::sptr clock_ctrl);
     ~usrp2_dboard_iface(void);
 
-    std::string get_mboard_name(void){return "usrp2";}
+    special_props_t get_special_props(void){
+        special_props_t props;
+        props.soft_clock_divider = false;
+        props.mangle_i2c_addrs = false;
+        return props;
+    }
 
     void write_aux_dac(unit_t, aux_dac_t, float);
     float read_aux_adc(unit_t, aux_adc_t);
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp
index 075f22388..bafeb3f15 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_impl.cpp
@@ -59,8 +59,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::dboard_init(void){
  * RX DBoard Properties
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<dboard_prop_t>()){
@@ -69,7 +68,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV:
-        val = _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(name);
+        val = _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(key.name);
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES:
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_GAIN_GROUP:
         val = make_gain_group(
-            _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(name), _rx_codec_proxy->get_link()
+            _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(key.name), _rx_codec_proxy->get_link()
         );
         return;
 
@@ -114,8 +113,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::rx_dboard_set(const wax::obj &key, const wax::obj &val){
  * TX DBoard Properties
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<dboard_prop_t>()){
@@ -124,7 +122,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV:
-        val = _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(name);
+        val = _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(key.name);
         return;
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_SUBDEV_NAMES:
@@ -145,7 +143,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::tx_dboard_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
 
     case DBOARD_PROP_GAIN_GROUP:
         val = make_gain_group(
-            _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(name), _tx_codec_proxy->get_link()
+            _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(key.name), _tx_codec_proxy->get_link()
         );
         return;
 
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp
index 610aade14..d354a943b 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/mboard_impl.cpp
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 
 #include "usrp2_impl.hpp"
 #include "usrp2_regs.hpp"
+#include "../misc_utils.hpp"
 #include "../dsp_utils.hpp"
 #include <uhd/usrp/mboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
@@ -185,12 +186,13 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::issue_ddc_stream_cmd(const stream_cmd_t &stream_cmd){
 /***********************************************************************
  * MBoard Get Properties
  **********************************************************************/
+static const std::string dboard_name = "0";
+
 void usrp2_mboard_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the other props
-    if (key.type() == typeid(std::string)){
+    if (key_.type() == typeid(std::string)){
         if (key.as<std::string>() == "mac-addr"){
             byte_vector_t bytes = _iface->read_eeprom(USRP2_I2C_ADDR_MBOARD, USRP2_EE_MBOARD_MAC_ADDR, 6);
             val = mac_addr_t::from_bytes(bytes).to_string();
@@ -221,25 +223,25 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == dboard_name);
         val = _rx_dboard_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD_NAMES:
-        val = prop_names_t(1, "");
+        val = prop_names_t(1, dboard_name);
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == dboard_name);
         val = _tx_dboard_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD_NAMES:
-        val = prop_names_t(1, "");
+        val = prop_names_t(1, dboard_name);
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_DSP:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == "");
         val = _rx_dsp_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
@@ -248,7 +250,7 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_DSP:
-        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(name == "");
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(key.name == "");
         val = _tx_dsp_proxy->get_link();
         return;
 
@@ -324,14 +326,9 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::set(const wax::obj &key, const wax::obj &val){
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_RX_SUBDEV_SPEC:
         _rx_subdev_spec = val.as<subdev_spec_t>();
-        //handle automatic
-        if (_rx_subdev_spec.empty()) _rx_subdev_spec.push_back(
-            subdev_spec_pair_t("", _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev_names().front())
-        );
+        verify_rx_subdev_spec(_rx_subdev_spec, this->get_link());
         //sanity check
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(_rx_subdev_spec.size() == 1);
-        uhd::assert_has((*this)[MBOARD_PROP_RX_DBOARD_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>(), _rx_subdev_spec.front().db_name, "rx dboard names");
-        uhd::assert_has(_dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev_names(), _rx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name, "rx subdev names");
         //set the mux
         _iface->poke32(U2_REG_DSP_RX_MUX, dsp_type1::calc_rx_mux_word(
             _dboard_manager->get_rx_subdev(_rx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name)[SUBDEV_PROP_CONNECTION].as<subdev_conn_t>()
@@ -340,14 +337,9 @@ void usrp2_mboard_impl::set(const wax::obj &key, const wax::obj &val){
 
     case MBOARD_PROP_TX_SUBDEV_SPEC:
         _tx_subdev_spec = val.as<subdev_spec_t>();
-        //handle automatic
-        if (_tx_subdev_spec.empty()) _tx_subdev_spec.push_back(
-            subdev_spec_pair_t("", _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev_names().front())
-        );
+        verify_tx_subdev_spec(_tx_subdev_spec, this->get_link());
         //sanity check
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(_tx_subdev_spec.size() == 1);
-        uhd::assert_has((*this)[MBOARD_PROP_TX_DBOARD_NAMES].as<prop_names_t>(), _tx_subdev_spec.front().db_name, "tx dboard names");
-        uhd::assert_has(_dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev_names(), _tx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name, "tx subdev names");
         //set the mux
         _iface->poke32(U2_REG_DSP_TX_MUX, dsp_type1::calc_tx_mux_word(
             _dboard_manager->get_tx_subdev(_tx_subdev_spec.front().sd_name)[SUBDEV_PROP_CONNECTION].as<subdev_conn_t>()
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp
index 21f411afe..568c87a22 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/usrp2_impl.cpp
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 #include <uhd/usrp/device_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/static.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
@@ -41,12 +41,6 @@ static const size_t DISCOVERY_TIMEOUT_MS = 100;
 /***********************************************************************
  * Helper Functions
  **********************************************************************/
-std::vector<std::string> split_addrs(const std::string &addrs_str){
-    std::vector<std::string> addrs;
-    boost::split(addrs, addrs_str, boost::is_any_of("\t "));
-    return addrs;
-}
-
 template <class T> std::string num2str(T num){
     return boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(num);
 }
@@ -80,7 +74,7 @@ static uhd::device_addrs_t usrp2_find(const device_addr_t &hint){
     }
 
     //if there are multiple addresses, just return good, dont test
-    std::vector<std::string> addrs = split_addrs(hint["addr"]);
+    std::vector<std::string> addrs = std::split_string(hint["addr"]);
     if (addrs.size() > 1){
         device_addr_t new_addr;
         new_addr["type"] = "usrp2";
@@ -155,7 +149,7 @@ static device::sptr usrp2_make(const device_addr_t &device_addr){
     std::vector<udp_simple::sptr> ctrl_transports;
     std::vector<udp_zero_copy::sptr> data_transports;
 
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &addr, split_addrs(device_addr["addr"])){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &addr, std::split_string(device_addr["addr"])){
         ctrl_transports.push_back(udp_simple::make_connected(
             addr, num2str(USRP2_UDP_CTRL_PORT)
         ));
@@ -207,8 +201,7 @@ usrp2_impl::~usrp2_impl(void){
  * Device Properties
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
-    wax::obj key; std::string name;
-    boost::tie(key, name) = extract_named_prop(key_);
+    named_prop_t key = named_prop_t::extract(key_);
 
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<device_prop_t>()){
@@ -218,7 +211,7 @@ void usrp2_impl::get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
         return;
 
     case DEVICE_PROP_MBOARD:
-        val = _mboard_dict[name]->get_link();
+        val = _mboard_dict[key.name]->get_link();
         return;
 
     case DEVICE_PROP_MBOARD_NAMES:
diff --git a/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp b/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp
index 4029bd989..9ac20d855 100644
--- a/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/utils/paths.cpp
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 #include "constants.hpp"
 #include <uhd/config.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/program_options.hpp>
 #include <boost/filesystem.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
@@ -58,15 +58,9 @@ static std::vector<fs::path> get_env_paths(const std::string &var_name){
     po::store(po::parse_environment(desc, boost::bind(&name_mapper, var_name, _1)), vm);
     po::notify(vm);
 
-    //split the path at the path separators
-    std::vector<std::string> path_strings;
-    if (not var_value.empty()) boost::split(//dont split empty strings
-        path_strings, var_value, boost::is_any_of(env_path_sep)
-    );
-
     //convert to filesystem path, filter blank paths
     std::vector<fs::path> paths;
-    BOOST_FOREACH(std::string &path_string, path_strings){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &path_string, std::split_string(var_value, env_path_sep)){
         if (path_string.empty()) continue;
         paths.push_back(fs::system_complete(path_string));
     }
diff --git a/host/lib/utils/props.cpp b/host/lib/utils/props.cpp
index fac5fe24f..fc9f8e63f 100644
--- a/host/lib/utils/props.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/utils/props.cpp
@@ -29,15 +29,12 @@ named_prop_t::named_prop_t(
     /* NOP */
 }
 
-typedef boost::tuple<wax::obj, std::string> named_prop_tuple;
-
-named_prop_tuple uhd::extract_named_prop(
+named_prop_t named_prop_t::extract(
     const wax::obj &key,
     const std::string &name
 ){
     if (key.type() == typeid(named_prop_t)){
-        named_prop_t np = key.as<named_prop_t>();
-        return named_prop_tuple(np.key, np.name);
+        return key.as<named_prop_t>();
     }
-    return named_prop_tuple(key, name);
+    return named_prop_t(key, name);
 }
diff --git a/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp b/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp
index ae4d4c7aa..8a7d35a23 100644
--- a/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/utils/warning.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 //
 
 #include <uhd/utils/warning.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <iostream>
 #include <vector>
@@ -24,13 +24,9 @@
 using namespace uhd;
 
 void uhd::print_warning(const std::string &msg){
-    //extract the message lines
-    std::vector<std::string> lines;
-    boost::split(lines, msg, boost::is_any_of("\n"));
-
     //print the warning message
     std::cerr << std::endl << "Warning:" << std::endl;
-    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &line, lines){
+    BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &line, std::split_string(msg, "\n")){
         std::cerr << "    " << line << std::endl;
     }
 }
diff --git a/host/utils/uhd_usrp_probe.cpp b/host/utils/uhd_usrp_probe.cpp
index 097317516..8947034d7 100644
--- a/host/utils/uhd_usrp_probe.cpp
+++ b/host/utils/uhd_usrp_probe.cpp
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 #include <uhd/utils/safe_main.hpp>
 #include <uhd/device.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/ranges.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/device_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/mboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_props.hpp>
@@ -26,7 +27,6 @@
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
 #include <boost/program_options.hpp>
-#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <iostream>
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ static std::string make_border(const std::string &text){
     std::stringstream ss;
     ss << boost::format("  _____________________________________________________") << std::endl;
     ss << boost::format(" /") << std::endl;
-    std::vector<std::string> lines; boost::split(lines, text, boost::is_any_of("\n"));
+    std::vector<std::string> lines = std::split_string(text, "\n");
     while (lines.back() == "") lines.pop_back(); //strip trailing newlines
     if (lines.size()) lines[0] = "    " + lines[0]; //indent the title line
     BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &line, lines){