diff --git a/boards/fox/include/at86rf2xx_params.h b/boards/fox/include/at86rf2xx_params.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..55f272773a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/boards/fox/include/at86rf2xx_params.h
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright (C) 2015 Kaspar Schleiser <kaspar@schleiser.de>
+ *
+ * This file is subject to the terms and conditions of the GNU Lesser
+ * General Public License v2.1. See the file LICENSE in the top level
+ * directory for more details.
+ */
+
+/**
+ * @ingroup   board_iotlab-m3
+ * @{
+ *
+ * @file
+ * @brief     at86rf231 board specific configuration
+ *
+ * @author    Kaspar Schleiser <kaspar@schleiser.de>
+ */
+
+#ifndef AT86RF2XX_PARAMS_H_
+#define AT86RF2XX_PARAMS_H_
+
+#ifdef __cplusplus
+extern "C" {
+#endif
+
+/**
+ * @name AT86RF231 configuration
+ */
+static const  at86rf2xx_params_t at86rf2xx_params[] =
+    {
+        {
+            .spi = AT86RF231_SPI,
+            .spi_speed = AT86RF231_SPI_CLK,
+            .cs_pin = AT86RF231_CS,
+            .int_pin = AT86RF231_INT,
+            .sleep_pin = AT86RF231_SLEEP,
+            .reset_pin = AT86RF231_RESET,
+        },
+    };
+/** @} */
+
+#ifdef __cplusplus
+}
+#endif
+#endif /* AT86RF2XX_PARAMS_H_ */
+/** @} */
diff --git a/boards/fox/include/board.h b/boards/fox/include/board.h
index 29bef23df5..7ec9c42b9d 100644
--- a/boards/fox/include/board.h
+++ b/boards/fox/include/board.h
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ extern "C" {
 #define AT86RF231_INT       GPIO_PIN(PORT_C,2)
 #define AT86RF231_RESET     GPIO_PIN(PORT_C,1)
 #define AT86RF231_SLEEP     GPIO_PIN(PORT_A,0)
+#define AT86RF231_SPI_CLK   SPI_SPEED_5MHZ
 /** @} */
 
 /**
diff --git a/tests/driver_adt7310/Makefile b/tests/driver_adt7310/Makefile
index ad673da932..b0d29190e8 100644
--- a/tests/driver_adt7310/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_adt7310/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi periph_gpio
 USEMODULE += adt7310
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_ADT7310_SPI))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ADT7310_SPI=$(TEST_ADT7310_SPI)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ADT7310_SPI=SPI_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_ADT7310_CS))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ADT7310_CS=$(TEST_ADT7310_CS)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ADT7310_CS=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_ADT7310_SPI ?= SPI_0
+TEST_ADT7310_CS  ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_ADT7310_SPI=$(TEST_ADT7310_SPI)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_ADT7310_CS=$(TEST_ADT7310_CS)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_at86rf2xx/Makefile b/tests/driver_at86rf2xx/Makefile
index 7bad238570..95926b6e97 100644
--- a/tests/driver_at86rf2xx/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_at86rf2xx/Makefile
@@ -3,63 +3,7 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi periph_gpio
 
-BOARD_INSUFFICIENT_MEMORY := stm32f0discovery weio
-BOARD_BLACKLIST        := nucleo-f334
-# nucleo-f334:  not enough GPIO pins defined
-
-ifneq (,$(filter samr21-xpro,$(BOARD)))
-  DRIVER ?= at86rf233
-  USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS:=true
-endif
-ifneq (,$(filter iotlab-m3,$(BOARD)))
-  DRIVER ?= at86rf231
-  USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS:=true
-endif
-
-ifneq (,$(DRIVER))
-  USEMODULE += $(DRIVER)
-else
-  # default to at86rf231
-  USEMODULE += at86rf231
-endif
-
-ifneq (true,$(USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS))
-  # This adds . to include path so generic at86rf2xx_params.h gets picked
-  # up.  All boards actually having such a device on board should define
-  # USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS=true above to skip this step, as the board provides
-  # this header.
-  CFLAGS += -I$(CURDIR)
-
-ifneq (,$(ATRF_SPI))
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SPI=$(ATRF_SPI)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SPI=SPI_0                # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(ATRF_CS))
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_CS=$(ATRF_CS)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_CS=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)           # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(ATRF_INT))
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_INT=$(ATRF_INT)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_INT=GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)          # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(ATRF_SLEEP))
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SLEEP=$(ATRF_SLEEP)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SLEEP=GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)        # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(ATRF_RESET))
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_RESET=$(ATRF_RESET)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_RESET=GPIO_PIN\(0,3\)        # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(ATRF_SPI_SPEED))
-  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SPI_SPEED=$(ATRF_SPI_SPEED)
-endif
-
-endif # USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS=false
+BOARD_INSUFFICIENT_MEMORY := nucleo-f334 stm32f0discovery weio
 
 USEMODULE += auto_init_gnrc_netif
 USEMODULE += gnrc_netif
@@ -69,6 +13,47 @@ USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += shell_commands
 USEMODULE += ps
 
+# define parameters for selected boards
+ifneq (,$(filter samr21-xpro,$(BOARD)))
+  DRIVER               := at86rf233
+  USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS := true
+endif
+ifneq (,$(filter iotlab-m3 fox,$(BOARD)))
+  DRIVER               := at86rf231
+  USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS := true
+endif
+
+# only set specific parameters if not using board configuration
+ifneq (true,$(USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS))
+
+  # set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+  DRIVER         ?= at86rf231
+  ATRF_SPI       ?= SPI_0
+  ATRF_SPI_SPEED ?= SPI_SPEED_5MHZ
+  ATRF_CS        ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+  ATRF_INT       ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+  ATRF_SLEEP     ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)
+  ATRF_RESET     ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,3\)
+
+  # export parameters
+  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SPI=$(ATRF_SPI)
+  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SPI_SPEED=$(ATRF_SPI_SPEED)
+  CFLAGS += -DATRF_CS=$(ATRF_CS)
+  CFLAGS += -DATRF_INT=$(ATRF_INT)
+  CFLAGS += -DATRF_SLEEP=$(ATRF_SLEEP)
+  CFLAGS += -DATRF_RESET=$(ATRF_RESET)
+
+  # This adds . to include path so generic at86rf2xx_params.h gets picked
+  # up.  All boards actually having such a device on board should define
+  # USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS=true above to skip this step, as the board provides
+  # this header.
+  CFLAGS += -I$(CURDIR)
+
+endif
+
+# finally include the actual chosen driver
+USEMODULE += $(DRIVER)
+
 CFLAGS += -DDEVELHELP
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_dht/Makefile b/tests/driver_dht/Makefile
index f468b3d0bc..aed320fce1 100644
--- a/tests/driver_dht/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_dht/Makefile
@@ -3,26 +3,20 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_gpio
 
-# define default pin mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter stm32f4discovery,$(BOARD)))
-  export DHT_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(4,3\)
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += dht
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(DHT_TYPE))
-  CFLAGS += -DDHT_TYPE=$(DHT_TYPE)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DDHT_TYPE=DHT11
+# define parameters for selected boards
+ifneq (,$(filter stm32f4discovery,$(BOARD)))
+  DHT_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(4,3\)
 endif
 
-ifneq (,$(DHT_GPIO))
-  CFLAGS += -DDHT_GPIO=$(DHT_GPIO)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DDHT_GPIO=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+DHT_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+DHT_TYPE ?= DHT11
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DDHT_TYPE=$(DHT_TYPE)
+CFLAGS += -DDHT_GPIO=$(DHT_GPIO)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_hdc1000/Makefile b/tests/driver_hdc1000/Makefile
index b8a2294dfd..bf93ccac12 100644
--- a/tests/driver_hdc1000/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_hdc1000/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += hdc1000
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_HDC1000_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HDC1000_I2C=$(TEST_HDC1000_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HDC1000_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_HDC1000_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HDC1000_ADDR=$(TEST_HDC1000_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HDC1000_ADDR=0x43
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_HDC1000_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_HDC1000_ADDR ?= 0x43
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_HDC1000_I2C=$(TEST_HDC1000_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_HDC1000_ADDR=$(TEST_HDC1000_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_hih6130/Makefile b/tests/driver_hih6130/Makefile
index 032e0da40f..f621c043bb 100644
--- a/tests/driver_hih6130/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_hih6130/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += hih6130
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_HIH6130_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HIH6130_I2C=$(TEST_HIH6130_I2C)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HIH6130_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_HIH6130_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HIH6130_ADDR=$(TEST_HIH6130_ADDR)
-else
-  # factory default address
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HIH6130_ADDR=0x27
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_HIH6130_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_HIH6130_ADDR ?= 0x27
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_HIH6130_I2C=$(TEST_HIH6130_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_HIH6130_ADDR=$(TEST_HIH6130_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_ina220/Makefile b/tests/driver_ina220/Makefile
index debe98e59d..35e2c7c244 100644
--- a/tests/driver_ina220/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_ina220/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += ina220
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_INA220_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_INA220_I2C=$(TEST_INA220_I2C)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_INA220_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_INA220_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_INA220_ADDR=$(TEST_INA220_ADDR)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_INA220_ADDR=0x40
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_INA220_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_INA220_ADDR ?= 0x40
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_INA220_I2C=$(TEST_INA220_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_INA220_ADDR=$(TEST_INA220_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_isl29020/Makefile b/tests/driver_isl29020/Makefile
index c5c52a55ab..51e0dd2078 100644
--- a/tests/driver_isl29020/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_isl29020/Makefile
@@ -3,26 +3,15 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 
-# Define default pin mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter iotlab-m3,$(BOARD)))
-  export TEST_ISL29020_ADDR = 68
-  export TEST_ISL29020_I2C ?= I2C_0
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += isl29020
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_ISL29020_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29020_I2C=$(TEST_ISL29020_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29020_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_ISL29020_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29020_ADDR=$(TEST_ISL29020_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29020_ADDR=68
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_ISL29020_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_ISL29020_ADDR ?= 68
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29020_I2C=$(TEST_ISL29020_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29020_ADDR=$(TEST_ISL29020_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_isl29125/Makefile b/tests/driver_isl29125/Makefile
index f598fc9eb5..56f3c16956 100644
--- a/tests/driver_isl29125/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_isl29125/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += isl29125
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_ISL29125_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29125_I2C=$(TEST_ISL29125_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29125_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN=$(TEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_ISL29125_I2C     ?= I2C_0
+TEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29125_I2C=$(TEST_ISL29125_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN=$(TEST_ISL29125_IRQ_PIN)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_kw2xrf/Makefile b/tests/driver_kw2xrf/Makefile
index 4ab259b726..f7b257f141 100644
--- a/tests/driver_kw2xrf/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_kw2xrf/Makefile
@@ -5,51 +5,6 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi periph_gpio
 
 BOARD_INSUFFICIENT_MEMORY := stm32f0discovery nucleo-f334 weio
 
-ifneq (,$(filter pba-d-01-kw2x,$(BOARD)))
-  DRIVER ?= kw2xrf
-  USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS:=true
-endif
-
-ifneq (,$(DRIVER))
-  USEMODULE += $(DRIVER)
-else
-  # default to kw2xrf
-  USEMODULE += kw2xrf
-endif
-
-ifneq (true,$(USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS))
-  # This adds . to include path so generic kw2xrf_params.h gets picked
-  # up.  All boards actually having such a device on board should define
-  # USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS=true above to skip this step, as the board provides
-  # this header.
-  CFLAGS += -I$(CURDIR)
-
-ifneq (,$(KWRF_SHARED_SPI))
-  CFLAGS += -DKW2XRF_SHARED_SPI=$(DKW2XRF_SHARED_SPI)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DKW2XRFD_SHARED_SPI=1      # activate spi-lock
-endif
-ifneq (,$(KWRF_SPI))
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_SPI=$(KWRF_SPI)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_SPI=SPI_0            # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(KWRF_CS))
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_CS=$(KWRF_CS)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_CS=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)       # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(KWRF_INT))
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_INT=$(KWRF_INT)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_INT=GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)      # set default
-endif
-ifneq (,$(KWRF_SPI_SPEED))
-  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_SPI_SPEED=$(KWRF_SPI_SPEED)
-endif
-
-endif # USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS=false
-
 USEMODULE += auto_init_gnrc_netif
 USEMODULE += gnrc_netif
 USEMODULE += gnrc_nomac
@@ -58,6 +13,41 @@ USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += shell_commands
 USEMODULE += ps
 
+# define parameters for selected boards
+ifneq (,$(filter pba-d-01-kw2x,$(BOARD)))
+  DRIVER               := kw2xrf
+  USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS := true
+endif
+
+# only set specific parameters if not using board configuration
+ifneq (true,$(USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS))
+
+  # set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+  DRIVER            ?= kw2xrf
+  KW2XRF_SHARED_SPI ?= 1
+  KWRF_SPI          ?= SPI_0
+  KWRF_SPI_SPEED    ?= SPI_SPEED_5MHZ
+  KWRF_CS           ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+  KWRF_INT          ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+
+  # export parameters
+  CFLAGS += -DKW2XRF_SHARED_SPI=$(KW2XRF_SHARED_SPI)
+  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_SPI=$(KWRF_SPI)
+  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_SPI_SPEED=$(KWRF_SPI_SPEED)
+  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_CS=$(KWRF_CS)
+  CFLAGS += -DKWRF_INT=$(KWRF_INT)
+
+  # This adds . to include path so generic kw2xrf_params.h gets picked
+  # up.  All boards actually having such a device on board should define
+  # USE_BOARD_PARAMETERS=true above to skip this step, as the board provides
+  # this header.
+  CFLAGS += -I$(CURDIR)
+
+endif
+
+# finally include the actual chosen driver
+USEMODULE += $(DRIVER)
+
 CFLAGS += -DDEVELHELP
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_l3g4200d/Makefile b/tests/driver_l3g4200d/Makefile
index ec4d04db1b..c329a51788 100644
--- a/tests/driver_l3g4200d/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_l3g4200d/Makefile
@@ -6,29 +6,16 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c periph_gpio
 USEMODULE += l3g4200d
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_L3G4200D_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_I2C=$(TEST_L3G4200D_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_L3G4200D_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_ADDR=$(TEST_L3G4200D_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_ADDR=104
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_L3G4200D_INT))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_INT=$(TEST_L3G4200D_INT)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_INT=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_L3G4200D_DRDY))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_DRDY=$(TEST_L3G4200D_DRDY)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_DRDY=GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_L3G4200D_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_L3G4200D_ADDR ?= 104
+TEST_L3G4200D_INT  ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+TEST_L3G4200D_DRDY ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_I2C=$(TEST_L3G4200D_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_ADDR=$(TEST_L3G4200D_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_INT=$(TEST_L3G4200D_INT)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_L3G4200D_DRDY=$(TEST_L3G4200D_DRDY)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_lis3dh/Makefile b/tests/driver_lis3dh/Makefile
index 21a82f2ff9..2097649d77 100644
--- a/tests/driver_lis3dh/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_lis3dh/Makefile
@@ -6,29 +6,16 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi periph_gpio
 USEMODULE += lis3dh
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LIS3DH_SPI))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_SPI=$(TEST_LIS3DH_SPI)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_SPI=SPI_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LIS3DH_CS))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_CS=$(TEST_LIS3DH_CS)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_CS=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LIS3DH_INT1))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_INT1=$(TEST_LIS3DH_INT1)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_INT1=GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LIS3DH_INT2))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_INT2=$(TEST_LIS3DH_INT2)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_INT2=GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_LIS3DH_SPI  ?= SPI_0
+TEST_LIS3DH_CS   ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+TEST_LIS3DH_INT1 ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+TEST_LIS3DH_INT2 ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_SPI=$(TEST_LIS3DH_SPI)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_CS=$(TEST_LIS3DH_CS)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_INT1=$(TEST_LIS3DH_INT1)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LIS3DH_INT2=$(TEST_LIS3DH_INT2)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_lps331ap/Makefile b/tests/driver_lps331ap/Makefile
index b590eeb18d..df505e70d7 100644
--- a/tests/driver_lps331ap/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_lps331ap/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += lps331ap
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LPS331AP_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LPS331AP_I2C=$(TEST_LPS331AP_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LPS331AP_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LPS331AP_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LPS331AP_ADDR=$(TEST_LPS331AP_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LPS331AP_ADDR=92
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_LPS331AP_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_LPS331AP_ADDR ?= 92
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LPS331AP_I2C=$(TEST_LPS331AP_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LPS331AP_ADDR=$(TEST_LPS331AP_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_lsm303dlhc/Makefile b/tests/driver_lsm303dlhc/Makefile
index 95791f7c91..ac128264b5 100644
--- a/tests/driver_lsm303dlhc/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_lsm303dlhc/Makefile
@@ -3,45 +3,27 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 
-# Define default pin mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter iotlab-m3,$(BOARD)))
-  export TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR=30
-  export TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR=25
-  export TEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C ?=I2C_0
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += lsm303dlhc
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR=30
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR=25
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN=GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+# define parameters for selected boards
+ifneq (,$(filter iotlab-m3,$(BOARD)))
+  TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN ?= GPIO_PIN\(PORT_B,1\)
+  TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN ?= GPIO_PIN\(PORT_B,2\)
 endif
 
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C      ?= I2C_0
+TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR ?= 25
+TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR ?= 30
+TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN  ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN  ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_ACC_PIN)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN=$(TEST_LSM303DLHC_MAG_PIN)
+
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_mag3110/Makefile b/tests/driver_mag3110/Makefile
index 7d376ea1f1..9628d6df74 100644
--- a/tests/driver_mag3110/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_mag3110/Makefile
@@ -6,31 +6,18 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += mag3110
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MAG3110_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_I2C=$(TEST_MAG3110_I2C)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MAG3110_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_ADDR=$(TEST_MAG3110_ADDR)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_ADDR=0x0E
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_MAG3110_I2C           ?= I2C_0
+TEST_MAG3110_ADDR          ?= 0x0E
+TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X ?= -2000
+TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y ?= 180
+TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z ?= 210
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X=$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X=-2000
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y=$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y=180
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z=$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z=210
-endif
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_I2C=$(TEST_MAG3110_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_ADDR=$(TEST_MAG3110_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X=$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_X)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y=$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Y)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z=$(TEST_MAG3110_USER_OFFSET_Z)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_mma8652/Makefile b/tests/driver_mma8652/Makefile
index 7f5b8bd2f4..552f3307e9 100644
--- a/tests/driver_mma8652/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_mma8652/Makefile
@@ -6,31 +6,18 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += mma8652
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MMA8652_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_I2C=$(TEST_MMA8652_I2C)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MMA8652_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_ADDR=$(TEST_MMA8652_ADDR)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_ADDR=0x1D
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_MMA8652_I2C           ?= I2C_0
+TEST_MMA8652_ADDR          ?= 0x1D
+TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X ?= 0
+TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y ?= 0
+TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z ?= 0
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X=$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X=0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y=$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y=0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z=$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z=0
-endif
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_I2C=$(TEST_MMA8652_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_ADDR=$(TEST_MMA8652_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X=$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_X)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y=$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Y)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z=$(TEST_MMA8652_USER_OFFSET_Z)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_mpl3115a2/Makefile b/tests/driver_mpl3115a2/Makefile
index 36e5c47723..eba9d48c51 100644
--- a/tests/driver_mpl3115a2/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_mpl3115a2/Makefile
@@ -6,15 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += mpl3115a2
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MPL3115A2_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MPL3115A2_I2C=$(TEST_MPL3115A2_I2C)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MPL3115A2_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR=$(TEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR=0x60
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_MPL3115A2_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR ?= 0x60
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MPL3115A2_I2C=$(TEST_MPL3115A2_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR=$(TEST_MPL3115A2_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_mpu9150/Makefile b/tests/driver_mpu9150/Makefile
index 956c50015b..7ccdadcc45 100644
--- a/tests/driver_mpu9150/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_mpu9150/Makefile
@@ -3,33 +3,24 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 
-# Define default mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter msbiot,$(BOARD)))
-  export TEST_I2C ?= MPU9150_I2C
-  export TEST_HW_ADDR ?= MPU9150_HW_ADDR
-  export TEST_COMP_ADDR ?= MPU9150_COMP_ADDR
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += mpu9150
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_I2C=$(TEST_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_HW_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HW_ADDR=$(TEST_HW_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_HW_ADDR=MPU9150_HW_ADDR_HEX_68
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_COMP_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_COMP_ADDR=$(TEST_COMP_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_COMP_ADDR=MPU9150_COMP_ADDR_HEX_0C
+# define parameters for selected boards
+ifneq (,$(filter msbiot,$(BOARD)))
+  TEST_I2C       ?= MPU9150_I2C
+  TEST_HW_ADDR   ?= MPU9150_HW_ADDR
+  TEST_COMP_ADDR ?= MPU9150_COMP_ADDR
 endif
 
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_I2C       ?= I2C_0
+TEST_HW_ADDR   ?= MPU9150_HW_ADDR_HEX_68
+TEST_COMP_ADDR ?= MPU9150_COMP_ADDR_HEX_0C
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_I2C=$(TEST_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_HW_ADDR=$(TEST_HW_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_COMP_ADDR=$(TEST_COMP_ADDR)
+
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_mq3/Makefile b/tests/driver_mq3/Makefile
index 55df254072..20135bd0e9 100644
--- a/tests/driver_mq3/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_mq3/Makefile
@@ -3,26 +3,15 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_adc
 
-# Define default pin mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter stm32f4discovery,$(BOARD)))
-  export MQ3_ADC ?= ADC_1
-  export MQ3_CHAN ?= 0
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += mq3
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(MQ3_ADC))
-  CFLAGS += -DMQ3_ADC=$(MQ3_ADC)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DMQ3_ADC=ADC_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(MQ3_CHAN))
-  CFLAGS += -DMQ3_CHAN=$(MQ3_CHAN)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DMQ3_CHAN=0
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+MQ3_ADC  ?= ADC_0
+MQ3_CHAN ?= 0
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DMQ3_ADC=$(MQ3_ADC)
+CFLAGS += -DMQ3_CHAN=$(MQ3_CHAN)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_nrf24l01p_lowlevel/Makefile b/tests/driver_nrf24l01p_lowlevel/Makefile
index 37009600da..8df69ec915 100644
--- a/tests/driver_nrf24l01p_lowlevel/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_nrf24l01p_lowlevel/Makefile
@@ -1,30 +1,24 @@
 APPLICATION = driver_nrf24l01p_lowlevel
 include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
+FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi
+
 USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += shell_commands
 USEMODULE += ps
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 USEMODULE += nrf24l01p
 
-FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi
-
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
 SPI_PORT ?= SPI_0
 CE_PIN   ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
 CS_PIN   ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
 IRQ_PIN  ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)
 
-include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DSPI_PORT=$(SPI_PORT)
+CFLAGS += -DCE_PIN=$(CE_PIN)
+CFLAGS += -DCS_PIN=$(CS_PIN)
+CFLAGS += -DIRQ_PIN=$(IRQ_PIN)
 
-ifneq (,$(SPI_PORT))
-export CFLAGS += -DSPI_PORT=$(SPI_PORT)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(CE_PIN))
-export CFLAGS += -DCE_PIN=$(CE_PIN)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(CS_PIN))
-export CFLAGS += -DCS_PIN=$(CS_PIN)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(IRQ_PIN))
-export CFLAGS += -DIRQ_PIN=$(IRQ_PIN)
-endif
+include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_nvram_spi/Makefile b/tests/driver_nvram_spi/Makefile
index 1d873d3f29..083fcf303c 100644
--- a/tests/driver_nvram_spi/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_nvram_spi/Makefile
@@ -6,29 +6,16 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_spi periph_gpio
 USEMODULE += nvram_spi
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV=SPI_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS)
-else
-  # set arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE)
-else
-  # set tiny arbitrary default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE=64
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT)
-else
-  # set 1 address byte by default, increase if using a larger module for test.
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT=1
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV           ?= SPI_0
+TEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS            ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+TEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE          ?= 64
+TEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT ?= 1
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_DEV)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_CS)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_SIZE)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT=$(TEST_NVRAM_SPI_ADDRESS_COUNT)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_pcd8544/Makefile b/tests/driver_pcd8544/Makefile
index 2461345881..32a7c7f286 100644
--- a/tests/driver_pcd8544/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_pcd8544/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,16 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_gpio periph_spi
 USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += pcd8544
 
-ifeq (,$(TEST_PCD8544_SPI))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_SPI=SPI_0
-endif
-ifeq (,$(TEST_PCD8544_CS))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_CS=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
-endif
-ifeq (,$(TEST_PCD8544_RESET))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_RESET=GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
-endif
-ifeq (,$(TEST_PCD8544_MODE))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_MODE=GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_PCD8544_SPI   ?= SPI_0
+TEST_PCD8544_CS    ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+TEST_PCD8544_RESET ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,1\)
+TEST_PCD8544_MODE  ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,2\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_SPI=$(TEST_PCD8544_SPI)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_CS=$(TEST_PCD8544_CS)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_RESET=$(TEST_PCD8544_RESET)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_PCD8544_MODE=$(TEST_PCD8544_MODE)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_pir/Makefile b/tests/driver_pir/Makefile
index 0187a02d12..d446513c1f 100644
--- a/tests/driver_pir/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_pir/Makefile
@@ -3,23 +3,22 @@ include ../Makefile.tests_common
 
 FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_gpio
 
-# Define default pin mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter stm32f4discovery,$(BOARD)))
-  export PIR_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(3,7\)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(filter arduino-due,$(BOARD)))
-  export PIR_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,20\)
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += pir
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(PIR_GPIO))
-  CFLAGS += -DPIR_GPIO=$(PIR_GPIO)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DPIR_GPIO=GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+# define parameters for selected boards
+ifneq (,$(filter stm32f4discovery,$(BOARD)))
+  PIR_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(3,7\)
 endif
+ifneq (,$(filter arduino-due,$(BOARD)))
+  PIR_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,20\)
+endif
+
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+PIR_GPIO ?= GPIO_PIN\(0,0\)
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DPIR_GPIO=$(PIR_GPIO)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
 
diff --git a/tests/driver_srf02/Makefile b/tests/driver_srf02/Makefile
index 420b1a4072..19548d23a0 100644
--- a/tests/driver_srf02/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_srf02/Makefile
@@ -6,15 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 USEMODULE += srf02
 
-# Define default settings
-export TEST_SRF02_I2C ?= I2C_0
-export TEST_MODE ?= SRF02_MODE_REAL_CM
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_SRF02_I2C ?= I2C_0
+TEST_MODE      ?= SRF02_MODE_REAL_CM
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_SRF02_I2C=$(TEST_SRF02_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MODE=$(TEST_MODE)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
-
-ifneq (,$(TEST_SRF02_I2C))
-export CFLAGS += -DTEST_SRF02_I2C=$(TEST_SRF02_I2C)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MODE))
-export CFLAGS += -DTEST_MODE=$(TEST_MODE)
-endif
diff --git a/tests/driver_srf08/Makefile b/tests/driver_srf08/Makefile
index b0aef62a82..ef31a5c945 100644
--- a/tests/driver_srf08/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_srf08/Makefile
@@ -6,23 +6,16 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 USEMODULE += srf08
 
-# Define default settings
-export TEST_SRF08_I2C ?= I2C_0
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+export TEST_SRF08_I2C   ?= I2C_0
 export TEST_SRF08_SPEED ?= I2C_SPEED_NORMAL
-export TEST_MODE ?= SRF08_MODE_CM
-export TEST_NUM_ECHOS?= 3
+export TEST_MODE        ?= SRF08_MODE_CM
+export TEST_NUM_ECHOS   ?= 3
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_SRF08_I2C=$(TEST_SRF08_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_SRF08_SPEED=$(TEST_SRF08_SPEED)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_MODE=$(TEST_MODE)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_NUM_ECHOS=$(TEST_NUM_ECHOS)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
-
-ifneq (,$(TEST_SRF08_I2C))
-export CFLAGS += -DTEST_SRF08_I2C=$(TEST_SRF08_I2C)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_SRF08_SPEED))
-export CFLAGS += -DTEST_SRF08_SPEED=$(TEST_SRF08_SPEED)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_MODE))
-export CFLAGS += -DTEST_MODE=$(TEST_MODE)
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_NUM_ECHOS))
-export CFLAGS += -DTEST_NUM_ECHOS=$(TEST_NUM_ECHOS)
-endif
diff --git a/tests/driver_tcs37727/Makefile b/tests/driver_tcs37727/Makefile
index 103ef8bba3..f5254514aa 100644
--- a/tests/driver_tcs37727/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_tcs37727/Makefile
@@ -6,17 +6,12 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += tcs37727
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_TCS37727_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TCS37727_I2C=$(TEST_TCS37727_I2C)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TCS37727_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_TCS37727_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TCS37727_ADDR=$(TEST_TCS37727_ADDR)
-else
-  # set random default
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TCS37727_ADDR=0x29
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_TCS37727_I2C  ?= I2C_0
+TEST_TCS37727_ADDR ?= 0x29
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_TCS37727_I2C=$(TEST_TCS37727_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_TCS37727_ADDR=$(TEST_TCS37727_ADDR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_tmp006/Makefile b/tests/driver_tmp006/Makefile
index 4b4a803813..9f191c7cad 100644
--- a/tests/driver_tmp006/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_tmp006/Makefile
@@ -6,20 +6,14 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_i2c
 USEMODULE += tmp006
 USEMODULE += xtimer
 
-ifneq (,$(TEST_TMP006_I2C))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_I2C=$(TEST_TMP006_I2C)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_I2C=I2C_0
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_TMP006_ADDR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_ADDR=$(TEST_TMP006_ADDR)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_ADDR=0x41
-endif
-ifneq (,$(TEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR))
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR=$(TEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR)
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR=TMP006_CONFIG_CR_DEF
-endif
+# set default device parameters in case they are undefined
+TEST_TMP006_I2C       ?= I2C_0
+TEST_TMP006_ADDR      ?= 0x41
+TEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR ?= TMP006_CONFIG_CR_DEF
+
+# export parameters
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_I2C=$(TEST_TMP006_I2C)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_ADDR=$(TEST_TMP006_ADDR)
+CFLAGS += -DTEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR=$(TEST_TMP006_CONFIG_CR)
 
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/driver_xbee/Makefile b/tests/driver_xbee/Makefile
index c481410fd5..a54b0e4b6b 100644
--- a/tests/driver_xbee/Makefile
+++ b/tests/driver_xbee/Makefile
@@ -5,17 +5,6 @@ FEATURES_REQUIRED = periph_uart periph_gpio
 
 BOARD_INSUFFICIENT_MEMORY := stm32f0discovery weio
 
-# Define default pin mappings for some boards:
-ifneq (,$(filter stm32f0discovery,$(BOARD)))
-  export XBEE_UART ?= "UART_DEV(0)"
-endif
-ifneq (,$(filter stm32f4discovery,$(BOARD)))
-  export XBEE_UART ?= "UART_DEV(0)"
-endif
-ifneq (,$(filter nucleo-f091,$(BOARD)))
-  export XBEE_UART ?= "UART_DEV(0)"
-endif
-
 USEMODULE += xbee
 USEMODULE += gnrc_netif
 USEMODULE += auto_init_gnrc_netif
@@ -24,12 +13,11 @@ USEMODULE += gnrc_pktdump
 USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += shell_commands
 
-ifneq (,$(XBEE_UART))
-  CFLAGS += -DXBEE_UART=$(XBEE_UART)
-else
-  # set default
-  CFLAGS += -DXBEE_UART="UART_DEV(0)"
-endif
+# set default UART to use in case none was defined
+XBEE_UART ?= "UART_NUMOF-1"
+
+# export UART to params file
+CFLAGS += -DXBEE_UART=$(XBEE_UART)
 
 # add current directory to the include path. Putting it in CFLAGS will make
 # it go to the beginning, before the standard includes.
diff --git a/tests/slip/Makefile b/tests/slip/Makefile
index 49794dab33..e2041d4f30 100644
--- a/tests/slip/Makefile
+++ b/tests/slip/Makefile
@@ -10,19 +10,17 @@ USEMODULE += gnrc_slip
 USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += shell_commands
 
+# set slip parameters to default values if unset
+SLIP_UART     ?= "UART_NUMOF-1"
+SLIP_BAUDRATE ?= 115200
+
+# export slip parameters
+CFLAGS += -DSLIP_UART="UART_DEV($(SLIP_UART))"
+CFLAGS += -DSLIP_BAUDRATE=$(SLIP_BAUDRATE)
+
+# add current directory to the include path. Putting it in CFLAGS will make
+# it go to the beginning, before the standard includes.
+# That way slip_params.h get's included and auto configuration can pick it up.
 CFLAGS += -I$(CURDIR)
 
-ifneq (,$(SLIP_UART))
-  CFLAGS += -DSLIP_UART="UART_DEV($(SLIP_UART))"
-else
-  # set default
-  CFLAGS += -DSLIP_UART="UART_DEV(UART_NUMOF-1)"
-endif
-ifneq (,$(SLIP_BAUDRATE))
-  CFLAGS += -DSLIP_BAUDRATE=$(SLIP_BAUDRATE)
-else
-  # set default
-  CFLAGS += -DSLIP_BAUDRATE=115200
-endif
-
 include $(RIOTBASE)/Makefile.include
diff --git a/tests/zep/Makefile b/tests/zep/Makefile
index cb94a6af4e..4c65e3c364 100644
--- a/tests/zep/Makefile
+++ b/tests/zep/Makefile
@@ -14,31 +14,16 @@ USEMODULE += gnrc_pktdump
 USEMODULE += shell
 USEMODULE += shell_commands
 
-ifeq (,$(ZEP_DST))
-  # set default
-  CFLAGS += -DZEP_DST="\"::1\""
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DZEP_DST="\"$(ZEP_DST)\""
-endif
 
-ifeq (,$(ZEP_SRC_PORT))
-  # set default
-  CFLAGS += -DZEP_SRC_PORT=GNRC_ZEP_DEFAULT_PORT
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DZEP_SRC_PORT=$(ZEP_SRC_PORT)
-endif
+# set optional default values for ZEP parameters if unset
+ZEP_DST      ?= "\"::1\""
+ZEP_SRC_PORT ?= GNRC_ZEP_DEFAULT_PORT
+ZEP_DST_PORT ?= GNRC_ZEP_DEFAULT_PORT
 
-ifeq (,$(ZEP_DST_PORT))
-  # set default
-  CFLAGS += -DZEP_DST_PORT=GNRC_ZEP_DEFAULT_PORT
-else
-  CFLAGS += -DZEP_DST_PORT=$(ZEP_DST_PORT)
-endif
-
-# add current directory to the include path. Putting it in CFLAGS will make
-# it go to the beginning, before the standard includes.
-# That way xbee_params.h get's included and auto configuration can pick it up.
-CFLAGS += -I$(CURDIR)
+# export ZEP parameters
+CFLAGS += -DZEP_DST="\"$(ZEP_DST)\""
+CFLAGS += -DZEP_SRC_PORT=$(ZEP_SRC_PORT)
+CFLAGS += -DZEP_DST_PORT=$(ZEP_DST_PORT)
 
 # one for gnrc_netif_default and one for ZEP
 CFLAGS += -DGNRC_NETIF_NUMOF=2