Merge branch 'work' of git@ettus.sourcerepo.com:ettus/uhdpriv

26 files changed, 453 insertions, 188 deletions

diff --git a/host/include/uhd/config.hpp b/host/include/uhd/config.hpp
index 941219ac7..227c473ce 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/config.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/config.hpp
@@ -46,12 +46,12 @@
 
 // http://gcc.gnu.org/wiki/Visibility
 // Generic helper definitions for shared library support
-#if defined _WIN32 || defined __CYGWIN__
+#if BOOST_HAS_DECLSPEC
     #define UHD_HELPER_DLL_IMPORT __declspec(dllimport)
     #define UHD_HELPER_DLL_EXPORT __declspec(dllexport)
     #define UHD_HELPER_DLL_LOCAL
 #else
-    #if __GNUC__ >= 4
+    #if __GNUG__ >= 4
         #define UHD_HELPER_DLL_IMPORT __attribute__ ((visibility("default")))
         #define UHD_HELPER_DLL_EXPORT __attribute__ ((visibility("default")))
         #define UHD_HELPER_DLL_LOCAL  __attribute__ ((visibility("hidden")))
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/types/device_addr.hpp b/host/include/uhd/types/device_addr.hpp
index e8da2a1ab..e359d9467 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/types/device_addr.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/types/device_addr.hpp
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ namespace uhd{
      * An arguments string, is a way to represent a device address
      * using a single string with delimiter characters.
      * - Ex: addr=192.168.10.2
-     * - Ex: addr=192.168.10.2, rx_buff_size=1e6
+     * - Ex: addr=192.168.10.2, recv_buff_size=1e6
      */
     class UHD_API device_addr_t : public dict<std::string, std::string>{
     public:
@@ -51,17 +51,17 @@ namespace uhd{
         device_addr_t(const std::string &args = "");
 
         /*!
-         * Convert a device address into a printable string.
-         * \return string good for use with std::cout <<
+         * Convert a device address into a pretty print string.
+         * \return a printable string representing the device address
          */
-        std::string to_string(void) const;
+        std::string to_pp_string(void) const;
 
         /*!
          * Convert the device address into an args string.
          * The args string contains delimiter symbols.
          * \return a string with delimiter markup
          */
-        std::string to_args_str(void) const;
+        std::string to_string(void) const;
     };
 
     //handy typedef for a vector of device addresses
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/types/dict.hpp b/host/include/uhd/types/dict.hpp
index c8fbc5a9f..b5fb11120 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/types/dict.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/types/dict.hpp
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ namespace uhd{
     /*!
      * A templated dictionary class with a python-like interface.
      */
-    template <class Key, class Val> class dict{
+    template <typename Key, typename Val> class dict{
     public:
         typedef std::pair<Key, Val> pair_t;
 
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ namespace uhd{
             BOOST_FOREACH(pair_t &p, _map){
                 if (p.first == key) return p.second;
             }
-            _map.push_back(pair_t(key, Val()));
+            _map.push_back(std::make_pair(key, Val()));
             return _map.back().second;
         }
 
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_base.hpp b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_base.hpp
index 2025760ee..28bf2ae66 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_base.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_base.hpp
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@
 #include <uhd/wax.hpp>
 #include <boost/utility.hpp>
 #include <boost/shared_ptr.hpp>
-#include <boost/tuple/tuple.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_iface.hpp>
 
@@ -35,13 +34,15 @@ namespace uhd{ namespace usrp{
 class UHD_API dboard_base : boost::noncopyable{
 public:
     typedef boost::shared_ptr<dboard_base> sptr;
-    //the constructor args consist of a subdev name, interface, and ids
-    //derived classes should pass the args into the dboard_base class ctor
-    //but should not have to deal with the internals of the args
-    typedef boost::tuple<std::string, dboard_iface::sptr, dboard_id_t, dboard_id_t> ctor_args_t;
+    /*!
+     * An opaque type for the dboard constructor args.
+     * Derived classes should pass the args into the base class,
+     * but should not deal with the internals of the args.
+     */
+    struct ctor_args_impl; typedef ctor_args_impl* ctor_args_t;
 
     //structors
-    dboard_base(ctor_args_t const&);
+    dboard_base(ctor_args_t);
     virtual ~dboard_base(void);
 
     //interface
@@ -57,9 +58,8 @@ protected:
     dboard_id_t get_tx_id(void);
 
 private:
-    std::string               _subdev_name;
-    dboard_iface::sptr        _dboard_iface;
-    dboard_id_t               _rx_id, _tx_id;
+    struct dboard_base_impl;
+    dboard_base_impl *_impl;
 };
 
 /*!
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ public:
     /*!
      * Create a new xcvr dboard object, override in subclasses.
      */
-    xcvr_dboard_base(ctor_args_t const&);
+    xcvr_dboard_base(ctor_args_t);
 
     virtual ~xcvr_dboard_base(void);
 };
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ public:
     /*!
      * Create a new rx dboard object, override in subclasses.
      */
-    rx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t const&);
+    rx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t);
 
     virtual ~rx_dboard_base(void);
 
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ public:
     /*!
      * Create a new rx dboard object, override in subclasses.
      */
-    tx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t const&);
+    tx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t);
 
     virtual ~tx_dboard_base(void);
 
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp
index afacaf8ff..8b6eaf6bd 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp
@@ -20,16 +20,70 @@
 
 #include <uhd/config.hpp>
 #include <boost/cstdint.hpp>
+#include <boost/operators.hpp>
 #include <string>
 
 namespace uhd{ namespace usrp{
 
-typedef boost::uint16_t dboard_id_t;
+    class UHD_API dboard_id_t : boost::equality_comparable1<dboard_id_t>{
+    public:
+        /*!
+         * Create a dboard id from an integer.
+         * \param id the integer representation
+         */
+        dboard_id_t(boost::uint16_t id = 0xffff);
 
-namespace dboard_id{
-    static const dboard_id_t NONE = 0xffff;
-    UHD_API std::string to_string(const dboard_id_t &id);
-}
+        /*!
+         * Obtain a dboard id that represents no dboard.
+         * \return the dboard id with the 0xffff id.
+         */
+        static dboard_id_t none(void);
+
+        /*!
+         * Create a new dboard id from an integer representation.
+         * \param uint16 an unsigned 16 bit integer
+         * \return a new dboard id containing the integer
+         */
+        static dboard_id_t from_uint16(boost::uint16_t uint16);
+
+        /*!
+         * Get the dboard id represented as an integer.
+         * \return an unsigned 16 bit integer representation
+         */
+        boost::uint16_t to_uint16(void) const;
+
+        /*!
+         * Create a new dboard id from a string representation.
+         * If the string has a 0x prefix, it will be parsed as hex.
+         * \param string a numeric string, possibly hex
+         * \return a new dboard id containing the integer
+         */
+        static dboard_id_t from_string(const std::string &string);
+
+        /*!
+         * Get the dboard id represented as an integer.
+         * \return a hex string representation with 0x prefix
+         */
+        std::string to_string(void) const;
+
+        /*!
+         * Get the pretty print representation of this dboard id.
+         * \return a string with the dboard name and id number
+         */
+        std::string to_pp_string(void) const;
+
+    private:
+        boost::uint16_t _id; //internal representation
+    };
+
+    /*!
+     * Comparator operator overloaded for dboard ids.
+     * The boost::equality_comparable provides the !=.
+     * \param lhs the dboard id to the left of the operator
+     * \param rhs the dboard id to the right of the operator
+     * \return true when the dboard ids are equal
+     */
+    UHD_API bool operator==(const dboard_id_t &lhs, const dboard_id_t &rhs);
 
 }} //namespace
 
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp
index 007d85bb4..b84fee4e7 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ public:
     typedef boost::shared_ptr<dboard_manager> sptr;
 
     //dboard constructor (each dboard should have a ::make with this signature)
-    typedef dboard_base::sptr(*dboard_ctor_t)(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const&);
+    typedef dboard_base::sptr(*dboard_ctor_t)(dboard_base::ctor_args_t);
 
     /*!
      * Register a dboard into the system.
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp b/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp
index 8fe9cde82..72b655745 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/utils/algorithm.hpp
@@ -19,43 +19,25 @@
 #define INCLUDED_UHD_UTILS_ALGORITHM_HPP
 
 #include <algorithm>
+#include <boost/range/functions.hpp>
 
 /*!
  * Useful templated functions and classes that I like to pretend are part of stl
  */
 namespace std{
 
-    template<class T, class InputIterator, class Function>
-    T reduce(InputIterator first, InputIterator last, Function fcn, T init = 0){
-        T tmp = init;
-        for ( ; first != last; ++first ){
-            tmp = fcn(tmp, *first);
-        }
-        return tmp;
+    template<typename Range, typename T> inline
+    bool has(const Range &range, const T &value){
+        return boost::end(range) != std::find(boost::begin(range), boost::end(range), value);
     }
 
-    template<class T, class Iterable, class Function>
-    T reduce(Iterable iterable, Function fcn, T init = 0){
-        return reduce(iterable.begin(), iterable.end(), fcn, init);
-    }
-
-    template<class T, class InputIterator>
-    bool has(InputIterator first, InputIterator last, const T &elem){
-        return last != std::find(first, last, elem);
-    }
-
-    template<class T, class Iterable>
-    bool has(const Iterable &iterable, const T &elem){
-        return has(iterable.begin(), iterable.end(), elem);
-    }
-
-    template<class T> T signum(T n){
+    template<typename T> inline T signum(T n){
         if (n < 0) return -1;
         if (n > 0) return 1;
         return 0;
     }
 
-    template<class T> T clip(T val, T minVal, T maxVal){
+    template<typename T> inline T clip(T val, T minVal, T maxVal){
         return std::min(std::max(val, minVal), maxVal);
     }
 
diff --git a/host/include/uhd/utils/assert.hpp b/host/include/uhd/utils/assert.hpp
index 01beed757..ed0a95535 100644
--- a/host/include/uhd/utils/assert.hpp
+++ b/host/include/uhd/utils/assert.hpp
@@ -46,28 +46,28 @@ namespace uhd{
      * The "what" in the error will show what is
      * being set and a list of known good values.
      *
-     * \param iterable a list of possible settings
-     * \param elem an element that may be in the list
+     * \param range a list of possible settings
+     * \param value an element that may be in the list
      * \param what a description of what is being set
      * \throw assertion_error when elem not in list
      */
-    template<class T, class Iterable> void assert_has(
-        const Iterable &iterable,
-        const T &elem,
+    template<typename T, typename Range> void assert_has(
+        const Range &range,
+        const T &value,
         const std::string &what = "unknown"
     ){
-        if (std::has(iterable, elem)) return;
+        if (std::has(range, value)) return;
         std::string possible_values = "";
         size_t i = 0;
-        BOOST_FOREACH(const T &e, iterable){
+        BOOST_FOREACH(const T &v, range){
             if (i++ > 0) possible_values += ", ";
-            possible_values += boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(e);
+            possible_values += boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(v);
         }
         boost::throw_exception(uhd::assert_error() << assert_info(str(boost::format(
                 "Error: %s is not a valid %s. "
                 "Possible values are: [%s]."
             )
-            % boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(elem)
+            % boost::lexical_cast<std::string>(value)
             % what % possible_values
         )));
     }
diff --git a/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt b/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt
index d11ecf13b..c9cff3263 100644
--- a/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/host/lib/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -57,8 +57,9 @@ SET(libuhd_sources
     transport/udp_simple.cpp
     usrp/dboard_base.cpp
     usrp/dboard_eeprom.cpp
-    usrp/simple_usrp.cpp
+    usrp/dboard_id.cpp
     usrp/dboard_manager.cpp
+    usrp/simple_usrp.cpp
     usrp/tune_helper.cpp
 )
 
diff --git a/host/lib/device.cpp b/host/lib/device.cpp
index 88bd2cff4..f139ecb20 100644
--- a/host/lib/device.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/device.cpp
@@ -105,14 +105,14 @@ device::sptr device::make(const device_addr_t &hint, size_t which){
     //check that we found any devices
     if (dev_addr_makers.size() == 0){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(
-            boost::format("No devices found for ----->\n%s") % hint.to_string()
+            boost::format("No devices found for ----->\n%s") % hint.to_pp_string()
         ));
     }
 
     //check that the which index is valid
     if (dev_addr_makers.size() <= which){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(
-            boost::format("No device at index %d for ----->\n%s") % which % hint.to_string()
+            boost::format("No device at index %d for ----->\n%s") % which % hint.to_pp_string()
         ));
     }
 
diff --git a/host/lib/types.cpp b/host/lib/types.cpp
index 14f7651d4..ec9c8ac01 100644
--- a/host/lib/types.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/types.cpp
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ device_addr_t::device_addr_t(const std::string &args){
     }
 }
 
-std::string device_addr_t::to_string(void) const{
+std::string device_addr_t::to_pp_string(void) const{
     if (this->size() == 0) return "Empty Device Address";
 
     std::stringstream ss;
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ std::string device_addr_t::to_string(void) const{
     return ss.str();
 }
 
-std::string device_addr_t::to_args_str(void) const{
+std::string device_addr_t::to_string(void) const{
     std::string args_str;
     BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &key, this->keys()){
         args_str += key + pair_delim + (*this)[key] + arg_delim;
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
index b0fbbd2ec..23ac98872 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_basic_and_lf.cpp
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ using namespace boost::assign;
  **********************************************************************/
 class basic_rx : public rx_dboard_base{
 public:
-    basic_rx(ctor_args_t const& args, double max_freq);
+    basic_rx(ctor_args_t args, double max_freq);
     ~basic_rx(void);
 
     void rx_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val);
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ private:
 
 class basic_tx : public tx_dboard_base{
 public:
-    basic_tx(ctor_args_t const& args, double max_freq);
+    basic_tx(ctor_args_t args, double max_freq);
     ~basic_tx(void);
 
     void tx_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val);
@@ -59,19 +59,19 @@ private:
 /***********************************************************************
  * Register the basic and LF dboards
  **********************************************************************/
-static dboard_base::sptr make_basic_rx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_basic_rx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new basic_rx(args, 90e9));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_basic_tx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_basic_tx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new basic_tx(args, 90e9));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_lf_rx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_lf_rx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new basic_rx(args, 32e6));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_lf_tx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_lf_tx(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new basic_tx(args, 32e6));
 }
 
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ UHD_STATIC_BLOCK(reg_basic_and_lf_dboards){
 /***********************************************************************
  * Basic and LF RX dboard
  **********************************************************************/
-basic_rx::basic_rx(ctor_args_t const& args, double max_freq) : rx_dboard_base(args){
+basic_rx::basic_rx(ctor_args_t args, double max_freq) : rx_dboard_base(args){
     _max_freq = max_freq;
 }
 
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ void basic_rx::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
     case SUBDEV_PROP_NAME:
         val = std::string(str(boost::format("%s - %s")
-            % dboard_id::to_string(get_rx_id())
+            % get_rx_id().to_pp_string()
             % get_subdev_name()
         ));
         return;
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ void basic_rx::rx_set(const wax::obj &key_, const wax::obj &val){
 /***********************************************************************
  * Basic and LF TX dboard
  **********************************************************************/
-basic_tx::basic_tx(ctor_args_t const& args, double max_freq) : tx_dboard_base(args){
+basic_tx::basic_tx(ctor_args_t args, double max_freq) : tx_dboard_base(args){
     _max_freq = max_freq;
 }
 
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ void basic_tx::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
     case SUBDEV_PROP_NAME:
-        val = dboard_id::to_string(get_tx_id());
+        val = get_tx_id().to_pp_string();
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_OTHERS:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
index 175f55eab..bbc9716b1 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_rfx.cpp
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ static const float _max_rx_pga0_gain = 45;
 class rfx_xcvr : public xcvr_dboard_base{
 public:
     rfx_xcvr(
-        ctor_args_t const& args,
+        ctor_args_t args,
         const freq_range_t &freq_range,
         bool rx_div2, bool tx_div2
     );
@@ -108,23 +108,23 @@ private:
 /***********************************************************************
  * Register the RFX dboards (min freq, max freq, rx div2, tx div2)
  **********************************************************************/
-static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex400(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex400(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new rfx_xcvr(args, freq_range_t(400e6, 500e6), false, true));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex900(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex900(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new rfx_xcvr(args, freq_range_t(750e6, 1050e6), true, true));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex1800(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex1800(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new rfx_xcvr(args, freq_range_t(1500e6, 2100e6), false, false));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex1200(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex1200(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new rfx_xcvr(args, freq_range_t(1150e6, 1450e6), true, true));
 }
 
-static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex2400(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_rfx_flex2400(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new rfx_xcvr(args, freq_range_t(2300e6, 2900e6), false, false));
 }
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ UHD_STATIC_BLOCK(reg_rfx_dboards){
  * Structors
  **********************************************************************/
 rfx_xcvr::rfx_xcvr(
-    ctor_args_t const& args,
+    ctor_args_t args,
     const freq_range_t &freq_range,
     bool rx_div2, bool tx_div2
 ) : xcvr_dboard_base(args){
@@ -351,7 +351,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
     case SUBDEV_PROP_NAME:
-        val = dboard_id::to_string(get_rx_id());
+        val = get_rx_id().to_pp_string();
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_OTHERS:
@@ -448,7 +448,7 @@ void rfx_xcvr::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
     case SUBDEV_PROP_NAME:
-        val = dboard_id::to_string(get_tx_id());
+        val = get_tx_id().to_pp_string();
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_OTHERS:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
index 0dfef2a0a..3bf866fc8 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard/db_xcvr2450.cpp
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ static const uhd::dict<std::string, gain_range_t> xcvr_rx_gain_ranges = map_list
  **********************************************************************/
 class xcvr2450 : public xcvr_dboard_base{
 public:
-    xcvr2450(ctor_args_t const& args);
+    xcvr2450(ctor_args_t args);
     ~xcvr2450(void);
 
     void rx_get(const wax::obj &key, wax::obj &val);
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ private:
 /***********************************************************************
  * Register the XCVR 2450 dboard
  **********************************************************************/
-static dboard_base::sptr make_xcvr2450(dboard_base::ctor_args_t const& args){
+static dboard_base::sptr make_xcvr2450(dboard_base::ctor_args_t args){
     return dboard_base::sptr(new xcvr2450(args));
 }
 
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ UHD_STATIC_BLOCK(reg_xcvr2450_dboard){
 /***********************************************************************
  * Structors
  **********************************************************************/
-xcvr2450::xcvr2450(ctor_args_t const& args) : xcvr_dboard_base(args){
+xcvr2450::xcvr2450(ctor_args_t args) : xcvr_dboard_base(args){
     //enable only the clocks we need
     this->get_iface()->set_clock_enabled(dboard_iface::UNIT_TX, true);
 
@@ -444,7 +444,7 @@ void xcvr2450::rx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
     case SUBDEV_PROP_NAME:
-        val = dboard_id::to_string(get_rx_id());
+        val = get_rx_id().to_pp_string();
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_OTHERS:
@@ -542,7 +542,7 @@ void xcvr2450::tx_get(const wax::obj &key_, wax::obj &val){
     //handle the get request conditioned on the key
     switch(key.as<subdev_prop_t>()){
     case SUBDEV_PROP_NAME:
-        val = dboard_id::to_string(get_tx_id());
+        val = get_tx_id().to_pp_string();
         return;
 
     case SUBDEV_PROP_OTHERS:
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_base.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_base.cpp
index 68e4743d1..bd4b37ef3 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_base.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_base.cpp
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 // along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 //
 
+#include "dboard_ctor_args.hpp"
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_base.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <stdexcept>
@@ -24,43 +25,48 @@ using namespace uhd::usrp;
 /***********************************************************************
  * dboard_base dboard dboard_base class
  **********************************************************************/
-dboard_base::dboard_base(ctor_args_t const& args){
-    boost::tie(_subdev_name, _dboard_iface, _rx_id, _tx_id) = args;
+struct dboard_base::dboard_base_impl{
+    ctor_args_impl args;
+    dboard_base_impl(ctor_args_t args) : args(*args){}
+};
+
+dboard_base::dboard_base(ctor_args_t args){
+    _impl = new dboard_base_impl(args);
 }
 
 dboard_base::~dboard_base(void){
-    /* NOP */
+   delete _impl;
 }
 
 std::string dboard_base::get_subdev_name(void){
-    return _subdev_name;
+    return _impl->args.sd_name;
 }
 
 dboard_iface::sptr dboard_base::get_iface(void){
-    return _dboard_iface;
+    return _impl->args.db_iface;
 }
 
 dboard_id_t dboard_base::get_rx_id(void){
-    return _rx_id;
+    return _impl->args.rx_id;
 }
 
 dboard_id_t dboard_base::get_tx_id(void){
-    return _tx_id;
+    return _impl->args.tx_id;
 }
 
 /***********************************************************************
  * xcvr dboard dboard_base class
  **********************************************************************/
-xcvr_dboard_base::xcvr_dboard_base(ctor_args_t const& args) : dboard_base(args){
-    if (get_rx_id() == dboard_id::NONE){
+xcvr_dboard_base::xcvr_dboard_base(ctor_args_t args) : dboard_base(args){
+    if (get_rx_id() == dboard_id_t::none()){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(boost::format(
             "cannot create xcvr board when the rx id is \"%s\""
-        ) % dboard_id::to_string(dboard_id::NONE)));
+        ) % dboard_id_t::none().to_pp_string()));
     }
-    if (get_tx_id() == dboard_id::NONE){
+    if (get_tx_id() == dboard_id_t::none()){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(boost::format(
             "cannot create xcvr board when the tx id is \"%s\""
-        ) % dboard_id::to_string(dboard_id::NONE)));
+        ) % dboard_id_t::none().to_pp_string()));
     }
 }
 
@@ -71,12 +77,12 @@ xcvr_dboard_base::~xcvr_dboard_base(void){
 /***********************************************************************
  * rx dboard dboard_base class
  **********************************************************************/
-rx_dboard_base::rx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t const& args) : dboard_base(args){
-    if (get_tx_id() != dboard_id::NONE){
+rx_dboard_base::rx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t args) : dboard_base(args){
+    if (get_tx_id() != dboard_id_t::none()){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(boost::format(
             "cannot create rx board when the tx id is \"%s\""
             " -> expected a tx id of \"%s\""
-        ) % dboard_id::to_string(get_tx_id()) % dboard_id::to_string(dboard_id::NONE)));
+        ) % get_tx_id().to_pp_string() % dboard_id_t::none().to_pp_string()));
     }
 }
 
@@ -95,12 +101,12 @@ void rx_dboard_base::tx_set(const wax::obj &, const wax::obj &){
 /***********************************************************************
  * tx dboard dboard_base class
  **********************************************************************/
-tx_dboard_base::tx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t const& args) : dboard_base(args){
-    if (get_rx_id() != dboard_id::NONE){
+tx_dboard_base::tx_dboard_base(ctor_args_t args) : dboard_base(args){
+    if (get_rx_id() != dboard_id_t::none()){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(boost::format(
             "cannot create tx board when the rx id is \"%s\""
             " -> expected a rx id of \"%s\""
-        ) % dboard_id::to_string(get_rx_id()) % dboard_id::to_string(dboard_id::NONE)));
+        ) % get_rx_id().to_pp_string() % dboard_id_t::none().to_pp_string()));
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_ctor_args.hpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_ctor_args.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..13abe79e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_ctor_args.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+//
+// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
+//
+// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+// (at your option) any later version.
+//
+// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+// GNU General Public License for more details.
+//
+// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+//
+
+#ifndef INCLUDED_DBOARD_CTOR_ARGS_HPP
+#define INCLUDED_DBOARD_CTOR_ARGS_HPP
+
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_base.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_iface.hpp>
+#include <string>
+
+struct uhd::usrp::dboard_base::ctor_args_impl{
+    std::string               sd_name;
+    dboard_iface::sptr        db_iface;
+    dboard_id_t               rx_id, tx_id;
+};
+
+#endif /* INCLUDED_DBOARD_CTOR_ARGS_HPP */
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_eeprom.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_eeprom.cpp
index 54e7a4fd9..fa3631948 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_eeprom.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_eeprom.cpp
@@ -80,19 +80,20 @@ dboard_eeprom_t::dboard_eeprom_t(const byte_vector_t &bytes){
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(bytes.size() >= DB_EEPROM_CLEN);
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(bytes[DB_EEPROM_MAGIC] == DB_EEPROM_MAGIC_VALUE);
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(bytes[DB_EEPROM_CHKSUM] == checksum(bytes));
-        id = \
-            (boost::uint16_t(bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_LSB]) << 0) |
-            (boost::uint16_t(bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_MSB]) << 8) ;
+        id = dboard_id_t::from_uint16(0
+            | (boost::uint16_t(bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_LSB]) << 0)
+            | (boost::uint16_t(bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_MSB]) << 8)
+        );
     }catch(const uhd::assert_error &){
-        id = dboard_id::NONE;
+        id = dboard_id_t::none();
     }
 }
 
 byte_vector_t dboard_eeprom_t::get_eeprom_bytes(void){
     byte_vector_t bytes(DB_EEPROM_CLEN, 0); //defaults to all zeros
     bytes[DB_EEPROM_MAGIC] = DB_EEPROM_MAGIC_VALUE;
-    bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_LSB] = boost::uint8_t(id >> 0);
-    bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_MSB] = boost::uint8_t(id >> 8);
+    bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_LSB] = boost::uint8_t(id.to_uint16() >> 0);
+    bytes[DB_EEPROM_ID_MSB] = boost::uint8_t(id.to_uint16() >> 8);
     bytes[DB_EEPROM_CHKSUM] = checksum(bytes);
     return bytes;
 }
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_id.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_id.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3028d2a3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_id.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+//
+// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
+//
+// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+// (at your option) any later version.
+//
+// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+// GNU General Public License for more details.
+//
+// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+//
+
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
+#include <boost/lexical_cast.hpp>
+#include <boost/format.hpp>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <iostream>
+
+using namespace uhd::usrp;
+
+dboard_id_t::dboard_id_t(boost::uint16_t id){
+    _id = id;
+}
+
+dboard_id_t dboard_id_t::none(void){
+    return dboard_id_t();
+}
+
+dboard_id_t dboard_id_t::from_uint16(boost::uint16_t uint16){
+    return dboard_id_t(uint16);
+}
+
+boost::uint16_t dboard_id_t::to_uint16(void) const{
+    return _id;
+}
+
+//used with lexical cast to parse a hex string
+template <class T> struct to_hex{
+    T value;
+    operator T() const {return value;}
+    friend std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& in, to_hex& out){
+        in >> std::hex >> out.value;
+        return in;
+    }
+};
+
+dboard_id_t dboard_id_t::from_string(const std::string &string){
+    if (string.substr(0, 2) == "0x"){
+        return dboard_id_t::from_uint16(boost::lexical_cast<to_hex<boost::uint16_t> >(string));
+    }
+    return dboard_id_t::from_uint16(boost::lexical_cast<boost::uint16_t>(string));
+}
+
+std::string dboard_id_t::to_string(void) const{
+    return str(boost::format("0x%04x") % this->to_uint16());
+}
+
+//Note: to_pp_string is implemented in the dboard manager
+//because it needs access to the dboard registration table
+
+bool uhd::usrp::operator==(const dboard_id_t &lhs, const dboard_id_t &rhs){
+    return lhs.to_uint16() == rhs.to_uint16();
+}
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_manager.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_manager.cpp
index 390c1d3c9..4f5d0a473 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/dboard_manager.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/dboard_manager.cpp
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 // along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 //
 
+#include "dboard_ctor_args.hpp"
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_manager.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/subdev_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/utils/gain_handler.hpp>
@@ -26,6 +27,7 @@
 #include <boost/bind.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
+#include <iostream>
 
 using namespace uhd;
 using namespace uhd::usrp;
@@ -49,15 +51,18 @@ void dboard_manager::register_dboard(
     //std::cout << "registering: " << name << std::endl;
     if (get_id_to_args_map().has_key(dboard_id)){
         throw std::runtime_error(str(boost::format(
-            "The dboard id 0x%04x is already registered to %s."
-        ) % dboard_id % dboard_id::to_string(dboard_id)));
+            "The dboard id %s is already registered to %s."
+        ) % dboard_id.to_string() % dboard_id.to_pp_string()));
     }
     get_id_to_args_map()[dboard_id] = args_t(dboard_ctor, name, subdev_names);
 }
 
-std::string dboard_id::to_string(const dboard_id_t &id){
-    std::string name = (get_id_to_args_map().has_key(id))? get_id_to_args_map()[id].get<1>() : "unknown";
-    return str(boost::format("%s (0x%04x)") % name % id);
+std::string dboard_id_t::to_pp_string(void) const{
+    std::string name = "unknown";
+    if (get_id_to_args_map().has_key(*this)){
+        name = get_id_to_args_map()[*this].get<1>();
+    }
+    return str(boost::format("%s (%s)") % name % this->to_string());
 }
 
 /***********************************************************************
@@ -162,26 +167,27 @@ dboard_manager::sptr dboard_manager::make(
  * implementation class methods
  **********************************************************************/
 static args_t get_dboard_args(
-    dboard_id_t dboard_id,
-    std::string const& xx_type
+    dboard_iface::unit_t unit,
+    dboard_id_t dboard_id
 ){
-    //special case, its rx and the none id (0xffff)
-    if (xx_type == "rx" and dboard_id == dboard_id::NONE){
-        return get_dboard_args(0x0001, xx_type);
-    }
-
-    //special case, its tx and the none id (0xffff)
-    if (xx_type == "tx" and dboard_id == dboard_id::NONE){
-        return get_dboard_args(0x0000, xx_type);
+    //special case, the none id was provided, use the following ids
+    if (dboard_id == dboard_id_t::none()){
+        std::cerr << boost::format(
+            "Warning: unregistered dboard id: %s"
+            " -> defaulting to a basic board"
+        ) % dboard_id.to_pp_string() << std::endl;
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(get_id_to_args_map().has_key(0x0001));
+        UHD_ASSERT_THROW(get_id_to_args_map().has_key(0x0000));
+        switch(unit){
+        case dboard_iface::UNIT_RX: return get_dboard_args(unit, 0x0001);
+        case dboard_iface::UNIT_TX: return get_dboard_args(unit, 0x0000);
+        default: UHD_ASSERT_THROW(false);
+        }
     }
 
     //verify that there is a registered constructor for this id
     if (not get_id_to_args_map().has_key(dboard_id)){
-        /*throw std::runtime_error(str(
-            boost::format("Unregistered %s dboard id: %s")
-            % xx_type % dboard_id::to_string(dboard_id)
-        ));*/
-        return get_dboard_args(dboard_id::NONE, xx_type);
+        return get_dboard_args(unit, dboard_id_t::none());
     }
 
     //return the dboard args for this id
@@ -196,21 +202,26 @@ dboard_manager_impl::dboard_manager_impl(
     _iface = iface;
 
     dboard_ctor_t rx_dboard_ctor; std::string rx_name; prop_names_t rx_subdevs;
-    boost::tie(rx_dboard_ctor, rx_name, rx_subdevs) = get_dboard_args(rx_dboard_id, "rx");
+    boost::tie(rx_dboard_ctor, rx_name, rx_subdevs) = get_dboard_args(dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, rx_dboard_id);
 
     dboard_ctor_t tx_dboard_ctor; std::string tx_name; prop_names_t tx_subdevs;
-    boost::tie(tx_dboard_ctor, tx_name, tx_subdevs) = get_dboard_args(tx_dboard_id, "tx");
+    boost::tie(tx_dboard_ctor, tx_name, tx_subdevs) = get_dboard_args(dboard_iface::UNIT_TX, tx_dboard_id);
 
     //initialize the gpio pins before creating subdevs
     set_nice_dboard_if();
 
+    //dboard constructor args
+    dboard_base::ctor_args_impl db_ctor_args;
+    db_ctor_args.db_iface = iface;
+    db_ctor_args.rx_id = rx_dboard_id;
+    db_ctor_args.tx_id = tx_dboard_id;
+
     //make xcvr subdevs (make one subdev for both rx and tx dboards)
     if (rx_dboard_ctor == tx_dboard_ctor){
         UHD_ASSERT_THROW(rx_subdevs == tx_subdevs);
         BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &subdev, rx_subdevs){
-            dboard_base::sptr xcvr_dboard = rx_dboard_ctor(
-                dboard_base::ctor_args_t(subdev, iface, rx_dboard_id, tx_dboard_id)
-            );
+            db_ctor_args.sd_name = subdev;
+            dboard_base::sptr xcvr_dboard = rx_dboard_ctor(&db_ctor_args);
             //create a rx proxy for this xcvr board
             _rx_dboards[subdev] = subdev_proxy::sptr(
                 new subdev_proxy(xcvr_dboard, subdev_proxy::RX_TYPE)
@@ -226,9 +237,9 @@ dboard_manager_impl::dboard_manager_impl(
     else{
         //make the rx subdevs
         BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &subdev, rx_subdevs){
-            dboard_base::sptr rx_dboard = rx_dboard_ctor(
-                dboard_base::ctor_args_t(subdev, iface, rx_dboard_id, dboard_id::NONE)
-            );
+            db_ctor_args.sd_name = subdev;
+            db_ctor_args.tx_id = dboard_id_t::none();
+            dboard_base::sptr rx_dboard = rx_dboard_ctor(&db_ctor_args);
             //create a rx proxy for this rx board
             _rx_dboards[subdev] = subdev_proxy::sptr(
                 new subdev_proxy(rx_dboard, subdev_proxy::RX_TYPE)
@@ -236,9 +247,9 @@ dboard_manager_impl::dboard_manager_impl(
         }
         //make the tx subdevs
         BOOST_FOREACH(const std::string &subdev, tx_subdevs){
-            dboard_base::sptr tx_dboard = tx_dboard_ctor(
-                dboard_base::ctor_args_t(subdev, iface, dboard_id::NONE, tx_dboard_id)
-            );
+            db_ctor_args.sd_name = subdev;
+            db_ctor_args.rx_id = dboard_id_t::none();
+            dboard_base::sptr tx_dboard = tx_dboard_ctor(&db_ctor_args);
             //create a tx proxy for this tx board
             _tx_dboards[subdev] = subdev_proxy::sptr(
                 new subdev_proxy(tx_dboard, subdev_proxy::TX_TYPE)
diff --git a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
index 74d80163c..372a5af07 100644
--- a/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
+++ b/host/lib/usrp/usrp2/dboard_iface.cpp
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@
 
 using namespace uhd;
 using namespace uhd::usrp;
+using namespace boost::assign;
 
 class usrp2_dboard_iface : public dboard_iface{
 public:
@@ -122,49 +123,42 @@ double usrp2_dboard_iface::get_clock_rate(unit_t){
 
 void usrp2_dboard_iface::set_clock_enabled(unit_t unit, bool enb){
     switch(unit){
-    case UNIT_RX:
-        _clk_ctrl->enable_rx_dboard_clock(enb);
-        return;
-    case UNIT_TX:
-        _clk_ctrl->enable_tx_dboard_clock(enb);
-        return;
+    case UNIT_RX: _clk_ctrl->enable_rx_dboard_clock(enb); return;
+    case UNIT_TX: _clk_ctrl->enable_tx_dboard_clock(enb); return;
     }
 }
 
 /***********************************************************************
  * GPIO
  **********************************************************************/
-static int unit_to_shift(dboard_iface::unit_t unit){
-    switch(unit){
-    case dboard_iface::UNIT_RX: return 0;
-    case dboard_iface::UNIT_TX: return 16;
-    }
-    throw std::runtime_error("unknown unit type");
-}
+static const uhd::dict<dboard_iface::unit_t, int> unit_to_shift = map_list_of
+    (dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, 0)
+    (dboard_iface::UNIT_TX, 16)
+;
 
 void usrp2_dboard_iface::set_gpio_ddr(unit_t unit, boost::uint16_t value){
     _ddr_shadow = \
-        (_ddr_shadow & ~(0xffff << unit_to_shift(unit))) |
-        (boost::uint32_t(value) << unit_to_shift(unit));
+        (_ddr_shadow & ~(0xffff << unit_to_shift[unit])) |
+        (boost::uint32_t(value) << unit_to_shift[unit]);
     _iface->poke32(FR_GPIO_DDR, _ddr_shadow);
 }
 
 boost::uint16_t usrp2_dboard_iface::read_gpio(unit_t unit){
-    return boost::uint16_t(_iface->peek32(FR_GPIO_IO) >> unit_to_shift(unit));
+    return boost::uint16_t(_iface->peek32(FR_GPIO_IO) >> unit_to_shift[unit]);
 }
 
 void usrp2_dboard_iface::set_atr_reg(unit_t unit, atr_reg_t atr, boost::uint16_t value){
     //define mapping of unit to atr regs to register address
     static const uhd::dict<
         unit_t, uhd::dict<atr_reg_t, boost::uint32_t>
-    > unit_to_atr_to_addr = boost::assign::map_list_of
-        (UNIT_RX, boost::assign::map_list_of
+    > unit_to_atr_to_addr = map_list_of
+        (UNIT_RX, map_list_of
             (ATR_REG_IDLE,        FR_ATR_IDLE_RXSIDE)
             (ATR_REG_TX_ONLY,     FR_ATR_INTX_RXSIDE)
             (ATR_REG_RX_ONLY,     FR_ATR_INRX_RXSIDE)
             (ATR_REG_FULL_DUPLEX, FR_ATR_FULL_RXSIDE)
         )
-        (UNIT_TX, boost::assign::map_list_of
+        (UNIT_TX, map_list_of
             (ATR_REG_IDLE,        FR_ATR_IDLE_TXSIDE)
             (ATR_REG_TX_ONLY,     FR_ATR_INTX_TXSIDE)
             (ATR_REG_RX_ONLY,     FR_ATR_INRX_TXSIDE)
@@ -177,19 +171,10 @@ void usrp2_dboard_iface::set_atr_reg(unit_t unit, atr_reg_t atr, boost::uint16_t
 /***********************************************************************
  * SPI
  **********************************************************************/
-/*!
- * Static function to convert a unit type enum
- * to an over-the-wire value for the spi device.
- * \param unit the dboard interface unit type enum
- * \return an over the wire representation
- */
-static boost::uint8_t unit_to_otw_spi_dev(dboard_iface::unit_t unit){
-    switch(unit){
-    case dboard_iface::UNIT_TX: return SPI_SS_TX_DB;
-    case dboard_iface::UNIT_RX: return SPI_SS_RX_DB;
-    }
-    throw std::invalid_argument("unknown unit type");
-}
+static const uhd::dict<dboard_iface::unit_t, int> unit_to_spi_dev = map_list_of
+    (dboard_iface::UNIT_TX, SPI_SS_TX_DB)
+    (dboard_iface::UNIT_RX, SPI_SS_RX_DB)
+;
 
 void usrp2_dboard_iface::write_spi(
     unit_t unit,
@@ -197,7 +182,7 @@ void usrp2_dboard_iface::write_spi(
     boost::uint32_t data,
     size_t num_bits
 ){
-    _iface->transact_spi(unit_to_otw_spi_dev(unit), config, data, num_bits, false /*no rb*/);
+    _iface->transact_spi(unit_to_spi_dev[unit], config, data, num_bits, false /*no rb*/);
 }
 
 boost::uint32_t usrp2_dboard_iface::read_write_spi(
@@ -206,7 +191,7 @@ boost::uint32_t usrp2_dboard_iface::read_write_spi(
     boost::uint32_t data,
     size_t num_bits
 ){
-    return _iface->transact_spi(unit_to_otw_spi_dev(unit), config, data, num_bits, true /*rb*/);
+    return _iface->transact_spi(unit_to_spi_dev[unit], config, data, num_bits, true /*rb*/);
 }
 
 /***********************************************************************
@@ -224,7 +209,7 @@ byte_vector_t usrp2_dboard_iface::read_i2c(boost::uint8_t addr, size_t num_bytes
  * Aux DAX/ADC
  **********************************************************************/
 void usrp2_dboard_iface::_write_aux_dac(unit_t unit){
-    static const uhd::dict<unit_t, int> unit_to_spi_dac = boost::assign::map_list_of
+    static const uhd::dict<unit_t, int> unit_to_spi_dac = map_list_of
         (UNIT_RX, SPI_SS_RX_DAC)
         (UNIT_TX, SPI_SS_TX_DAC)
     ;
@@ -248,7 +233,7 @@ void usrp2_dboard_iface::write_aux_dac(unit_t unit, int which, float value){
 }
 
 float usrp2_dboard_iface::read_aux_adc(unit_t unit, int which){
-    static const uhd::dict<unit_t, int> unit_to_spi_adc = boost::assign::map_list_of
+    static const uhd::dict<unit_t, int> unit_to_spi_adc = map_list_of
         (UNIT_RX, SPI_SS_RX_ADC)
         (UNIT_TX, SPI_SS_TX_ADC)
     ;
diff --git a/host/test/CMakeLists.txt b/host/test/CMakeLists.txt
index 1791d9082..61b0b503d 100644
--- a/host/test/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/host/test/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@
 ADD_EXECUTABLE(main_test
     main_test.cpp
     addr_test.cpp
+    dict_test.cpp
+    error_test.cpp
     gain_handler_test.cpp
     vrt_test.cpp
     wax_test.cpp
diff --git a/host/test/addr_test.cpp b/host/test/addr_test.cpp
index 93b7cc0df..0c50200d6 100644
--- a/host/test/addr_test.cpp
+++ b/host/test/addr_test.cpp
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 #include <boost/test/unit_test.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/mac_addr.hpp>
 #include <uhd/types/device_addr.hpp>
+#include <uhd/usrp/dboard_id.hpp>
 #include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
 #include <boost/foreach.hpp>
 #include <algorithm>
@@ -41,8 +42,8 @@ BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_device_addr){
     dev_addr["key2"] = "val2";
 
     //convert to and from args string
-    std::cout << "Pretty Print: " << std::endl << dev_addr.to_string();
-    std::string args_str = dev_addr.to_args_str();
+    std::cout << "Pretty Print: " << std::endl << dev_addr.to_pp_string();
+    std::string args_str = dev_addr.to_string();
     std::cout << "Args String: " << args_str << std::endl;
     uhd::device_addr_t new_dev_addr(args_str);
 
@@ -65,3 +66,15 @@ BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_device_addr){
         new_dev_addr_vals.begin(), new_dev_addr_vals.end()
     );
 }
+
+BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_dboard_id){
+    std::cout << "Testing dboard id..." << std::endl;
+
+    using namespace uhd::usrp;
+
+    BOOST_CHECK(dboard_id_t() == dboard_id_t::none());
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(dboard_id_t().to_uint16(), dboard_id_t::none().to_uint16());
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(dboard_id_t::from_string("0x1234").to_uint16(), 0x1234);
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(dboard_id_t::from_string("1234").to_uint16(), 1234);
+    std::cout << "Pretty Print: " << std::endl << dboard_id_t::none().to_pp_string();
+}
diff --git a/host/test/dict_test.cpp b/host/test/dict_test.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0501a7878
--- /dev/null
+++ b/host/test/dict_test.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+//
+// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
+//
+// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+// (at your option) any later version.
+//
+// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+// GNU General Public License for more details.
+//
+// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+//
+
+#include <boost/test/unit_test.hpp>
+#include <uhd/types/dict.hpp>
+#include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
+
+BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_dict_init){
+    uhd::dict<int, int> d;
+    d[-1] = 3;
+    d[0] = 4;
+    d[1] = 5;
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.has_key(0));
+    BOOST_CHECK(not d.has_key(2));
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.keys()[1] == 0);
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.vals()[1] == 4);
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(d[-1], 3);
+}
+
+BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_dict_assign){
+    uhd::dict<int, int> d = boost::assign::map_list_of
+        (-1, 3)
+        (0, 4)
+        (1, 5)
+    ;
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.has_key(0));
+    BOOST_CHECK(not d.has_key(2));
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.keys()[1] == 0);
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.vals()[1] == 4);
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(d[-1], 3);
+}
+
+BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_const_dict){
+    const uhd::dict<int, int> d = boost::assign::map_list_of
+        (-1, 3)
+        (0, 4)
+        (1, 5)
+    ;
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.has_key(0));
+    BOOST_CHECK(not d.has_key(2));
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.keys()[1] == 0);
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.vals()[1] == 4);
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(d[-1], 3);
+    BOOST_CHECK_THROW(d[2], std::exception);
+}
+
+BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_dict_pop){
+    uhd::dict<int, int> d = boost::assign::map_list_of
+        (-1, 3)
+        (0, 4)
+        (1, 5)
+    ;
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.has_key(0));
+    BOOST_CHECK_EQUAL(d.pop(0), 4);
+    BOOST_CHECK(not d.has_key(0));
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.keys()[0] == -1);
+    BOOST_CHECK(d.keys()[1] == 1);
+}
diff --git a/host/test/error_test.cpp b/host/test/error_test.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c5b0af45e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/host/test/error_test.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+//
+// Copyright 2010 Ettus Research LLC
+//
+// This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+// it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+// the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+// (at your option) any later version.
+//
+// This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+// but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+// MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+// GNU General Public License for more details.
+//
+// You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+// along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+//
+
+#include <boost/test/unit_test.hpp>
+#include <uhd/utils/assert.hpp>
+#include <boost/exception/diagnostic_information.hpp>
+#include <vector>
+#include <iostream>
+
+BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(test_assert_has){
+    std::vector<int> vec;
+    vec.push_back(2);
+    vec.push_back(3);
+    vec.push_back(5);
+
+    //verify the std::has utility
+    BOOST_CHECK(std::has(vec, 2));
+    BOOST_CHECK(not std::has(vec, 1));
+
+    std::cout << "The output of the assert_has error:" << std::endl;
+    try{
+        uhd::assert_has(vec, 1, "prime");
+    }catch(const boost::exception &e){
+        std::cout << boost::diagnostic_information(e) << std::endl;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/host/utils/uhd_burn_db_eeprom.cpp b/host/utils/uhd_burn_db_eeprom.cpp
index c07b43f16..dfd9decba 100644
--- a/host/utils/uhd_burn_db_eeprom.cpp
+++ b/host/utils/uhd_burn_db_eeprom.cpp
@@ -24,11 +24,9 @@
 #include <uhd/usrp/mboard_props.hpp>
 #include <uhd/usrp/dboard_props.hpp>
 #include <boost/program_options.hpp>
-#include <boost/lexical_cast.hpp>
 #include <boost/format.hpp>
 #include <boost/assign.hpp>
 #include <iostream>
-#include <sstream>
 
 using namespace uhd;
 using namespace uhd::usrp;
@@ -89,14 +87,14 @@ int UHD_SAFE_MAIN(int argc, char *argv[]){
     if (vm.count("id") == 0){
         std::cout << boost::format("Getting dbid on %s dboard...") % prefix << std::endl;
         dboard_id_t id = dboard[DBOARD_PROP_DBOARD_ID].as<dboard_id_t>();
-        std::cout << boost::format("  Current dbid: %s") % dboard_id::to_string(id) << std::endl;
+        std::cout << boost::format("  Current dbid: %s") % id.to_pp_string() << std::endl;
     }
 
     //write a new dboard id to eeprom
     else{
-        dboard_id_t id = boost::lexical_cast<to_hex<dboard_id_t> >(vm["id"].as<std::string>());
+        dboard_id_t id = dboard_id_t::from_string(vm["id"].as<std::string>());
         std::cout << boost::format("Setting dbid on %s dboard...") % prefix << std::endl;
-        std::cout << boost::format("  New dbid: %s") % dboard_id::to_string(id) << std::endl;
+        std::cout << boost::format("  New dbid: %s") % id.to_pp_string() << std::endl;
         dboard[DBOARD_PROP_DBOARD_ID] = id;
     }
 
diff --git a/host/utils/uhd_find_devices.cpp b/host/utils/uhd_find_devices.cpp
index 69e550fd4..b778eeb68 100644
--- a/host/utils/uhd_find_devices.cpp
+++ b/host/utils/uhd_find_devices.cpp
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ int UHD_SAFE_MAIN(int argc, char *argv[]){
         std::cout << "--------------------------------------------------" << std::endl;
         std::cout << "-- UHD Device " << i << std::endl;
         std::cout << "--------------------------------------------------" << std::endl;
-        std::cout << device_addrs[i].to_string() << std::endl << std::endl;
+        std::cout << device_addrs[i].to_pp_string() << std::endl << std::endl;
         //uhd::device::make(device_addrs[i]); //test make
     }