diff --git a/cpu/atmega2560/periph/timer.c b/cpu/atmega2560/periph/timer.c
index 746bff84e7..a16166d5d1 100644
--- a/cpu/atmega2560/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/atmega2560/periph/timer.c
@@ -33,20 +33,16 @@
 
 #define IRQ_DISABLED 0x00
 
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * @brief Timer state memory
  */
-timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 /**
  * @brief Setup the given timer
  *
  */
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* reject impossible freq values
      * todo: Add support for 2 MHz and 16 MHz */
@@ -85,7 +81,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* save callback */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     return 0;
 }
@@ -422,7 +419,7 @@ static inline void _isr(int timer, int chan)
     __enter_isr();
     timer_clear(timer, chan);
 
-    config[timer].cb(chan);
+    config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, chan);
 
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
diff --git a/cpu/cc2538/periph/timer.c b/cpu/cc2538/periph/timer.c
index 8ee6fd9817..7cf1a04ca1 100644
--- a/cpu/cc2538/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/cc2538/periph/timer.c
@@ -30,21 +30,17 @@
 
 #define USEC_PER_SEC             1000000 /**< Conversion factor between seconds and microseconds */
 
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * @brief Timer state memory
  */
-timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 
 /**
  * @brief Setup the given timer
  *
  */
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     cc2538_gptimer_t *gptimer;
     unsigned int gptimer_num;
@@ -80,7 +76,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     gptimer_num = ((uintptr_t)gptimer - (uintptr_t)GPTIMER0) / 0x1000;
 
     /* Save the callback function: */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* Enable the clock for this timer: */
     SYS_CTRL_RCGCGPT |= (1 << gptimer_num);
@@ -380,90 +377,60 @@ void timer_irq_disable(tim_t dev)
     }
 }
 
-#if TIMER_0_EN
-void TIMER_0_ISR_1(void)
+static inline void irq_handler(int tim, int chan)
 {
-    if (config[0].cb != NULL) config[0].cb(0);
-
+    if (config[tim].cb != NULL) {
+        config[tim].cb(config[tim].arg, chan);
+    }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
     }
+}
 
+#if TIMER_0_EN
+void TIMER_0_ISR_1(void)
+{
+    irq_handler(0, 0);
 }
 
 void TIMER_0_ISR_2(void)
 {
-    if (config[0].cb != NULL) config[0].cb(1);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(0, 1);
 }
 #endif /* TIMER_0_EN */
 
 #if TIMER_1_EN
 void TIMER_1_ISR_1(void)
 {
-    if (config[1].cb != NULL) config[1].cb(0);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(1, 0);
 }
 
 void TIMER_1_ISR_2(void)
 {
-    if (config[1].cb != NULL) config[1].cb(1);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(1, 1);
 }
 #endif /* TIMER_1_EN */
 
 #if TIMER_2_EN
 void TIMER_2_ISR_1(void)
 {
-    if (config[2].cb != NULL) config[2].cb(0);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(2, 0);
 }
 
 void TIMER_2_ISR_2(void)
 {
-    if (config[2].cb != NULL) config[2].cb(1);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(2, 1);
 }
 #endif /* TIMER_2_EN */
 
 #if TIMER_3_EN
 void TIMER_3_ISR_1(void)
 {
-    if (config[3].cb != NULL) config[3].cb(0);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(3, 0);
 }
 
 void TIMER_3_ISR_2(void)
 {
-    if (config[3].cb != NULL) config[3].cb(1);
-
-    if (sched_context_switch_request) {
-        thread_yield();
-    }
-
+    irq_handler(3, 1);
 }
 #endif /* TIMER_3_EN */
diff --git a/cpu/cc430/periph/timer.c b/cpu/cc430/periph/timer.c
index 68f2767237..adbe9fbdf5 100644
--- a/cpu/cc430/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/cc430/periph/timer.c
@@ -32,10 +32,15 @@
 /**
  * @brief   Save reference to the timer callback
  */
-static void (*isr_cb)(int chan);
+static timer_cb_t isr_cb;
+
+/**
+ * @brief   Save argument for the callback
+ */
+static void *isr_arg;
 
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* using fixed TIMER_BASE for now */
     if (dev != 0) {
@@ -49,7 +54,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     /* reset the timer A configuration */
     TIMER_BASE->CTL = CTL_CLR;
     /* save callback */
-    isr_cb = callback;
+    isr_cb = cb;
+    isr_arg = arg;
     /* configure timer to use the SMCLK with prescaler of 8 */
     TIMER_BASE->CTL = (CTL_TASSEL_SMCLK | CTL_ID_DIV8);
     /* configure CC channels */
@@ -124,7 +130,7 @@ ISR(TIMER_ISR_CC0, isr_timer_a_cc0)
     __enter_isr();
 
     TIMER_BASE->CCTL[0] &= ~(CCTL_CCIE);
-    isr_cb(0);
+    isr_cb(isr_arg, 0);
 
     __exit_isr();
 }
@@ -135,7 +141,7 @@ ISR(TIMER_ISR_CCX, isr_timer_a_ccx_isr)
 
     int chan = (int)(TIMER_BASE->IV >> 1);
     TIMER_BASE->CCTL[chan] &= ~(CCTL_CCIE);
-    isr_cb(chan);
+    isr_cb(isr_arg, chan);
 
     __exit_isr();
 }
diff --git a/cpu/ezr32wg/periph/timer.c b/cpu/ezr32wg/periph/timer.c
index 3fe7f4853b..de07372f93 100644
--- a/cpu/ezr32wg/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/ezr32wg/periph/timer.c
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 static timer_isr_ctx_t isr_ctx[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     TIMER_TypeDef *pre, *tim;
 
@@ -48,7 +48,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* save callback */
-    isr_ctx[dev].cb = callback;
+    isr_ctx[dev].cb = cb;
+    isr_ctx[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* get timers */
     pre = timer_config[dev].prescaler;
@@ -152,7 +153,7 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
         if (tim->IF & (TIMER_IF_CC0 << i)) {
             tim->CC[i].CTRL = _TIMER_CC_CTRL_MODE_OFF;
             tim->IFC = (TIMER_IFC_CC0 << i);
-            isr_ctx[0].cb(i);
+            isr_ctx[0].cb(isr_ctx[0].arg, i);
         }
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
diff --git a/cpu/kinetis_common/periph/timer.c b/cpu/kinetis_common/periph/timer.c
index 7bdd67262d..585f974d9f 100644
--- a/cpu/kinetis_common/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/kinetis_common/periph/timer.c
@@ -35,16 +35,11 @@
 
 #if TIMER_NUMOF
 
-/** Type for timer state */
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /* Virtual count up timer */
 static uint32_t cu_timer[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 /** Timer state memory */
-static timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 inline static void pit_timer_start(uint8_t ch)
 {
@@ -84,7 +79,7 @@ inline static void pit_timer_set_max(uint8_t ch)
     pit_timer_start(ch);
 }
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* enable timer peripheral clock */
     TIMER_CLKEN();
@@ -116,7 +111,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* set callback function */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
     cu_timer[dev] = 0;
 
     /* enable the timer's interrupt */
@@ -317,7 +313,7 @@ inline static void pit_timer_irq_handler(tim_t dev, uint8_t ch)
     pit_timer_set_max(ch);
 
     if (config[dev].cb != NULL) {
-        config[dev].cb(dev);
+        config[dev].cb(config[dev].arg, dev);
     }
 
     TIMER_BASE->CHANNEL[ch].TFLG = PIT_TFLG_TIF_MASK;
diff --git a/cpu/lm4f120/periph/timer.c b/cpu/lm4f120/periph/timer.c
index 102654e9e5..b25d11ab74 100644
--- a/cpu/lm4f120/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/lm4f120/periph/timer.c
@@ -38,7 +38,8 @@
  * @{
  */
 typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);        /**< timeout callback */
+    timer_cb_t cb;          /**< timeout callback */
+    void *arg;              /**< argument to the callback */
     unsigned int divisor;   /**< software clock divisor */
 } timer_conf_t;
 
@@ -66,13 +67,14 @@ static inline unsigned int _llvalue_to_scaled_value(unsigned long long corrected
     return scaledv;
 }
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     if (dev >= TIMER_NUMOF){
         return -1;
     }
 
-    config[dev].cb = callback;                          /* User Function */
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
     config[dev].divisor = ROM_SysCtlClockGet() / freq;
 
     unsigned int sysctl_timer;
@@ -368,7 +370,7 @@ void isr_wtimer0a(void)
 {
     /* Clears both IT */
     ROM_TimerIntClear(WTIMER0_BASE, TIMER_TIMA_TIMEOUT | TIMER_TIMA_MATCH);
-    config[TIMER_0].cb(0);
+    config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 0);
     if (sched_context_switch_request){
         thread_yield();
     }
@@ -380,7 +382,7 @@ void isr_wtimer1a(void)
 {
     ROM_TimerIntClear(WTIMER1_BASE, TIMER_TIMA_TIMEOUT | TIMER_TIMA_MATCH);
 
-    config[TIMER_1].cb(0);
+    config[TIMER_1].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 0);
     if (sched_context_switch_request){
         thread_yield();
     }
diff --git a/cpu/lpc11u34/periph/timer.c b/cpu/lpc11u34/periph/timer.c
index 0855323c99..546e00f492 100644
--- a/cpu/lpc11u34/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/lpc11u34/periph/timer.c
@@ -38,23 +38,17 @@
 #define MR3_FLAG    (0x08)      /**< match for channel 3 */
 /** @} */
 
-/**
- * @brief Struct holding the configuration data for a UART device
- */
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);            /**< timeout callback */
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * @brief UART device configurations
  */
-static timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     if (dev == TIMER_0) {
         /* save callback */
-        config[TIMER_0].cb = callback;
+        config[TIMER_0].cb = cb;
+        config[TIMER_0].arg = arg;
         /* enable power for timer */
         TIMER_0_CLKEN();
         /* set to timer mode */
@@ -155,22 +149,22 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR0_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR0_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 0);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(0);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 0);
     }
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR1_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR1_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 3);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(1);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 1);
     }
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR2_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR2_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 6);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(2);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 2);
     }
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR3_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR3_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 9);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(3);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 3);
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
diff --git a/cpu/lpc1768/periph/timer.c b/cpu/lpc1768/periph/timer.c
index ea57568c58..6212ce6229 100644
--- a/cpu/lpc1768/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/lpc1768/periph/timer.c
@@ -38,23 +38,17 @@
 #define MR3_FLAG    (0x08)      /**< match for channel 3 */
 /** @} */
 
-/**
- * @brief Struct holding the configuration data for a UART device
- */
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);            /**< timeout callback */
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * @brief UART device configurations
  */
-static timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     if (dev == TIMER_0) {
         /* save callback */
-        config[TIMER_0].cb = callback;
+        config[TIMER_0].cb = cb;
+        config[TIMER_0].arg = arg;
         /* enable power for timer */
         TIMER_0_CLKEN();
         /* let timer run with full frequency */
@@ -158,22 +152,22 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR0_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR0_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 0);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(0);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 0);
     }
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR1_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR1_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 3);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(1);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 1);
     }
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR2_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR2_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 6);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(2);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 2);
     }
     if (TIMER_0_DEV->IR & MR3_FLAG) {
         TIMER_0_DEV->IR |= (MR3_FLAG);
         TIMER_0_DEV->MCR &= ~(1 << 9);
-        config[TIMER_0].cb(3);
+        config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 3);
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
diff --git a/cpu/lpc2387/periph/timer.c b/cpu/lpc2387/periph/timer.c
index ff2055e7c6..afe540564c 100644
--- a/cpu/lpc2387/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/lpc2387/periph/timer.c
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ static inline void pwr_clk_and_isr(tim_t tim)
     }
 }
 
-int timer_init(tim_t tim, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t tim, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* get the timers base register */
     lpc23xx_timer_t *dev = get_dev(tim);
@@ -119,7 +119,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t tim, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* save the callback */
-    isr_ctx[tim].cb = callback;
+    isr_ctx[tim].cb = cb;
+    isr_ctx[tim].arg = arg;
     /* enable power, config periph clock and install ISR vector */
     pwr_clk_and_isr(tim);
     /* reset timer configuration (sets the timer to timer mode) */
@@ -192,7 +193,7 @@ static inline void isr_handler(lpc23xx_timer_t *dev, int tim_num)
         if (dev->IR & (1 << i)) {
             dev->IR |= (1 << i);
             dev->MCR &= ~(1 << (i * 3));
-            isr_ctx[tim_num].cb(i);
+            isr_ctx[tim_num].cb(isr_ctx[tim_num].arg, i);
         }
     }
     /* we must not forget to acknowledge the handling of the interrupt */
diff --git a/cpu/msp430fxyz/periph/timer.c b/cpu/msp430fxyz/periph/timer.c
index dbd4608a67..b54a6d0692 100644
--- a/cpu/msp430fxyz/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/msp430fxyz/periph/timer.c
@@ -32,10 +32,15 @@
 /**
  * @brief   Save reference to the timer callback
  */
-static void (*isr_cb)(int chan);
+static timer_cb_t isr_cb;
+
+/**
+ * @brief    Save argument for the ISR callback
+ */
+static void *isr_arg;
 
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* using fixed TIMER_BASE for now */
     if (dev != 0) {
@@ -49,7 +54,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     /* reset the timer A configuration */
     TIMER_BASE->CTL = TIMER_CTL_CLR;
     /* save callback */
-    isr_cb = callback;
+    isr_cb = cb;
+    isr_arg = arg;
     /* configure timer to use the SMCLK with prescaler of 8 */
     TIMER_BASE->CTL = (TIMER_CTL_TASSEL_SMCLK | TIMER_CTL_ID_DIV8);
     /* configure CC channels */
@@ -124,7 +130,7 @@ ISR(TIMER_ISR_CC0, isr_timer_a_cc0)
     __enter_isr();
 
     TIMER_BASE->CCTL[0] &= ~(TIMER_CCTL_CCIE);
-    isr_cb(0);
+    isr_cb(isr_arg, 0);
 
     __exit_isr();
 }
@@ -135,7 +141,7 @@ ISR(TIMER_ISR_CCX, isr_timer_a_ccx)
 
     int chan = (int)(TIMER_IVEC->TAIV >> 1);
     TIMER_BASE->CCTL[chan] &= ~(TIMER_CCTL_CCIE);
-    isr_cb(chan);
+    isr_cb(isr_arg, chan);
 
     __exit_isr();
 }
diff --git a/cpu/native/periph/timer.c b/cpu/native/periph/timer.c
index 7afd9b5064..52c5e31440 100644
--- a/cpu/native/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/native/periph/timer.c
@@ -49,7 +49,8 @@
 
 static unsigned long time_null;
 
-static void (*_callback)(int);
+static timer_cb_t _callback;
+static void *_cb_arg;
 
 static struct itimerval itv;
 
@@ -71,10 +72,10 @@ void native_isr_timer(void)
 {
     DEBUG("%s\n", __func__);
 
-    _callback(0);
+    _callback(_cb_arg, 0);
 }
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     (void)freq;
     DEBUG("%s\n", __func__);
@@ -90,7 +91,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     time_null = timer_read(0);
 
     timer_irq_disable(dev);
-    _callback = callback;
+    _callback = cb;
+    _cb_arg = arg;
     timer_irq_enable(dev);
 
     return 0;
diff --git a/cpu/nrf51/periph/timer.c b/cpu/nrf51/periph/timer.c
index 6427708965..6bb3930e95 100644
--- a/cpu/nrf51/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/nrf51/periph/timer.c
@@ -40,7 +40,8 @@
  * @brief struct for keeping track of a timer's state
  */
 typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
+    timer_cb_t cb;
+    void *arg;
     uint8_t flags;
 } timer_conf_t;
 
@@ -64,14 +65,15 @@ static NRF_TIMER_Type *const timer[] = {
 #endif
 };
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     if (dev >= TIMER_NUMOF) {
         return -1;
     }
 
     /* save callback */
-    timer_config[dev].cb = callback;
+    timer_config[dev].cb = cb;
+    timer_config[dev].arg = arg;
     /* power on timer */
     timer[dev]->POWER = 1;
 
@@ -285,7 +287,7 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
             if (timer_config[TIMER_0].flags & (1 << i)) {
                 timer_config[TIMER_0].flags &= ~(1 << i);
                 TIMER_0_DEV->INTENCLR = (1 << (16 + i));
-                timer_config[TIMER_0].cb(i);
+                timer_config[TIMER_0].cb(timer_config[TIMER_0].arg, i);
             }
         }
     }
@@ -304,7 +306,7 @@ void TIMER_1_ISR(void)
             if (timer_config[TIMER_1].flags & (1 << i)) {
                 timer_config[TIMER_1].flags &= ~(1 << i);
                 TIMER_1_DEV->INTENCLR = (1 << (16 + i));
-                timer_config[TIMER_1].cb(i);
+                timer_config[TIMER_1].cb(timer_config[TIMER_1].arg, i);
             }
         }
     }
@@ -323,7 +325,7 @@ void TIMER_2_ISR(void)
             if (timer_config[TIMER_2].flags & (1 << i)) {
                 timer_config[TIMER_2].flags &= ~(1 << i);
                 TIMER_2_DEV->INTENCLR = (1 << (16 + i));
-                timer_config[TIMER_2].cb(i);
+                timer_config[TIMER_2].cb(timer_config[TIMER_2].arg, i);
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/cpu/nrf52/periph/timer.c b/cpu/nrf52/periph/timer.c
index 89d4c5b1f1..b7ff7da174 100644
--- a/cpu/nrf52/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/nrf52/periph/timer.c
@@ -40,7 +40,8 @@
  * @brief struct for keeping track of a timer's state
  */
 typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
+    timer_cb_t cb;
+    void *arg;
     uint8_t flags;
 } timer_conf_t;
 
@@ -64,14 +65,15 @@ static NRF_TIMER_Type *const timer[] = {
 #endif
 };
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     if (dev >= TIMER_NUMOF) {
         return -1;
     }
 
     /* save callback */
-    timer_config[dev].cb = callback;
+    timer_config[dev].cb = cb;
+    timer_config[dev].arg = arg;
     /* power on timer */
     /* timer[dev]->POWER = 1; */
 
@@ -308,7 +310,7 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
             if (timer_config[TIMER_0].flags & (1 << i)) {
                 timer_config[TIMER_0].flags &= ~(1 << i);
                 TIMER_0_DEV->INTENCLR = (1 << (16 + i));
-                timer_config[TIMER_0].cb(i);
+                timer_config[TIMER_0].cb(timer_config[TIMER_0].arg, i);
             }
         }
     }
@@ -329,7 +331,7 @@ void TIMER_1_ISR(void)
             if (timer_config[TIMER_1].flags & (1 << i)) {
                 timer_config[TIMER_1].flags &= ~(1 << i);
                 TIMER_1_DEV->INTENCLR = (1 << (16 + i));
-                timer_config[TIMER_1].cb(i);
+                timer_config[TIMER_1].cb(timer_config[TIMER_1].arg, i);
             }
         }
     }
@@ -350,7 +352,7 @@ void TIMER_2_ISR(void)
             if (timer_config[TIMER_2].flags & (1 << i)) {
                 timer_config[TIMER_2].flags &= ~(1 << i);
                 TIMER_2_DEV->INTENCLR = (1 << (16 + i));
-                timer_config[TIMER_2].cb(i);
+                timer_config[TIMER_2].cb(timer_config[TIMER_2].arg, i);
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/cpu/sam3/periph/timer.c b/cpu/sam3/periph/timer.c
index 52e2147853..c6f31afb86 100644
--- a/cpu/sam3/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/sam3/periph/timer.c
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ static inline Tc *dev(tim_t tim)
  * For each timer, channel 1 is used to implement a prescaler. Channel 1 is
  * driven by the MCK / 2 (42MHz) (TIMER_CLOCK1).
  */
-int timer_init(tim_t tim, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t tim, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* check if device is valid */
     if (tim >= TIMER_NUMOF) {
@@ -87,7 +87,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t tim, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     clk_en(tim);
 
     /* save callback */
-    isr_ctx[tim].cb = callback;
+    isr_ctx[tim].cb = cb;
+    isr_ctx[tim].arg = arg;
 
     /* configure the timer block by connecting TIOA1 to XC0 */
     dev(tim)->TC_BMR = TC_BMR_TC0XC0S_TIOA1;
@@ -182,7 +183,7 @@ static inline void isr_handler(tim_t tim)
     for (int i = 0; i < TIMER_CHANNELS; i++) {
         if (status & (TC_SR_CPAS << i)) {
             dev(tim)->TC_CHANNEL[0].TC_IDR = (TC_IDR_CPAS << i);
-            isr_ctx[tim].cb(i);
+            isr_ctx[tim].cb(isr_ctx[tim].arg, i);
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/cpu/samd21/periph/timer.c b/cpu/samd21/periph/timer.c
index fb3dc0212e..086cf4cd9c 100644
--- a/cpu/samd21/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/samd21/periph/timer.c
@@ -32,21 +32,16 @@
 #define ENABLE_DEBUG    (0)
 #include "debug.h"
 
-
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * @brief Timer state memory
  */
-timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 
 /**
  * @brief Setup the given timer
  */
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* at the moment, the timer can only run at 1MHz */
     if (freq != 1000000ul) {
@@ -123,7 +118,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* save callback */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* enable interrupts for given timer */
     timer_irq_enable(dev);
@@ -339,14 +335,14 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
         if(config[TIMER_0].cb) {
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC0 = 1;
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTENCLR.reg = TC_INTENCLR_MC0;
-            config[TIMER_0].cb(0);
+            config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 0);
         }
     }
     else if (TIMER_0_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC1 && TIMER_0_DEV.INTENSET.bit.MC1) {
         if(config[TIMER_0].cb) {
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC1 = 1;
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTENCLR.reg = TC_INTENCLR_MC1;
-            config[TIMER_0].cb(1);
+            config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 1);
         }
     }
 
@@ -364,14 +360,14 @@ void TIMER_1_ISR(void)
         if (config[TIMER_1].cb) {
             TIMER_1_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC0 = 1;
             TIMER_1_DEV.INTENCLR.reg = TC_INTENCLR_MC0;
-            config[TIMER_1].cb(0);
+            config[TIMER_1].cb(config[TIMER_1].arg, 0);
         }
     }
     else if (TIMER_1_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC1 && TIMER_1_DEV.INTENSET.bit.MC1) {
         if(config[TIMER_1].cb) {
             TIMER_1_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC1 = 1;
             TIMER_1_DEV.INTENCLR.reg = TC_INTENCLR_MC1;
-            config[TIMER_1].cb(1);
+            config[TIMER_1].cb(config[TIMER_1].arg, 1);
         }
 
     }
diff --git a/cpu/saml21/periph/timer.c b/cpu/saml21/periph/timer.c
index d4f184575d..ef15538c26 100644
--- a/cpu/saml21/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/saml21/periph/timer.c
@@ -36,19 +36,15 @@
 #define ENABLE_DEBUG    (0)
 #include "debug.h"
 
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * @brief Timer state memory
  */
-timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 /**
  * @brief Setup the given timer
  */
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     /* configure GCLK0 to feed TC0 & TC1*/;
     GCLK->PCHCTRL[TC0_GCLK_ID].reg |= GCLK_PCHCTRL_CHEN | GCLK_PCHCTRL_GEN_GCLK0;
@@ -79,7 +75,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* save callback */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* enable interrupts for given timer */
     timer_irq_enable(dev);
@@ -232,14 +229,14 @@ void TIMER_0_ISR(void)
         if(config[TIMER_0].cb) {
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC0 = 1;
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTENCLR.reg = TC_INTENCLR_MC0;
-            config[TIMER_0].cb(0);
+            config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 0);
         }
     }
     else if (TIMER_0_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC1 && TIMER_0_DEV.INTENSET.bit.MC1) {
         if(config[TIMER_0].cb) {
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTFLAG.bit.MC1 = 1;
             TIMER_0_DEV.INTENCLR.reg = TC_INTENCLR_MC1;
-            config[TIMER_0].cb(1);
+            config[TIMER_0].cb(config[TIMER_0].arg, 1);
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/cpu/stm32f0/periph/timer.c b/cpu/stm32f0/periph/timer.c
index f6fc9608af..4e6896e459 100644
--- a/cpu/stm32f0/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/stm32f0/periph/timer.c
@@ -32,17 +32,13 @@
 
 static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev);
 
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * Timer state memory
  */
-static timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     TIM_TypeDef *timer;
 
@@ -73,7 +69,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* set callback function */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* set timer to run in counter mode */
     timer->CR1 |= TIM_CR1_URS;
@@ -292,22 +289,22 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev)
     if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC1IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC1IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC1IF;
-        config[timer].cb(0);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 0);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC2IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC2IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC2IF;
-        config[timer].cb(1);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 1);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC3IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC3IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC3IF;
-        config[timer].cb(2);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 2);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC4IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC4IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC4IF;
-        config[timer].cb(3);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 3);
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
diff --git a/cpu/stm32f1/periph/timer.c b/cpu/stm32f1/periph/timer.c
index 45dfbc5a3a..afafdf71b2 100644
--- a/cpu/stm32f1/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/stm32f1/periph/timer.c
@@ -36,16 +36,12 @@
 
 static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev0, TIM_TypeDef *dev1);
 
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /**
  * Timer state memory
  */
-static timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     TIM_TypeDef *timer0;
     TIM_TypeDef *timer1;
@@ -84,7 +80,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* set callback function */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* set timer to run in counter mode */
     timer0->CR1 = (TIM_CR1_ARPE | TIM_CR1_URS);
@@ -363,7 +360,7 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev0, TIM_TypeDef *dev1
         /* if higher 16bit also match */
         if (dev1->CNT >= dev1->CCR1) {
             dev0->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC1IE;
-            config[timer].cb(0);
+            config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 0);
         }
         DEBUG("channel 1 CCR: %08x\n", ((dev1->CCR1<<16) | (0xffff & dev0->CCR1)));
     }
@@ -373,7 +370,7 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev0, TIM_TypeDef *dev1
         /* if higher 16bit also match */
         if (dev1->CNT >= dev1->CCR2) {
             dev0->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC2IE;
-            config[timer].cb(1);
+            config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 1);
         }
         DEBUG("channel 2 CCR: %08x\n", ((dev1->CCR2<<16) | (0xffff & dev0->CCR2)));
     }
@@ -383,7 +380,7 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev0, TIM_TypeDef *dev1
         /* if higher 16bit also match */
         if (dev1->CNT >= dev1->CCR3) {
             dev0->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC3IE;
-            config[timer].cb(2);
+            config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 2);
         }
         DEBUG("channel 3 CCR: %08x\n", ((dev1->CCR3<<16) | (0xffff & dev0->CCR3)));
     }
@@ -393,7 +390,7 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev0, TIM_TypeDef *dev1
         /* if higher 16bit also match */
         if (dev1->CNT >= dev1->CCR4) {
             dev0->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC4IE;
-            config[timer].cb(3);
+            config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 3);
         }
         DEBUG("channel 4 CCR: %08x\n", ((dev1->CCR4<<16) | (0xffff & dev0->CCR4)));
     }
diff --git a/cpu/stm32f3/periph/timer.c b/cpu/stm32f3/periph/timer.c
index cb1ec28419..d6a25a26ff 100644
--- a/cpu/stm32f3/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/stm32f3/periph/timer.c
@@ -30,16 +30,11 @@
 /** Unified IRQ handler for all timers */
 static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev);
 
-/** Type for timer state */
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /** Timer state memory */
-timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     TIM_TypeDef *timer;
 
@@ -60,7 +55,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* set callback function */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* set timer to run in counter mode */
     timer->CR1 = 0;
@@ -240,22 +236,22 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev)
     if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC1IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC1IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC1IF;
-        config[timer].cb(0);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 0);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC2IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC2IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC2IF;
-        config[timer].cb(1);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 1);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC3IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC3IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC3IF;
-        config[timer].cb(2);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 2);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC4IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC4IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC4IF;
-        config[timer].cb(3);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 3);
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
diff --git a/cpu/stm32f4/periph/timer.c b/cpu/stm32f4/periph/timer.c
index 5c513e546f..6b2db5892d 100644
--- a/cpu/stm32f4/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/stm32f4/periph/timer.c
@@ -30,16 +30,11 @@
 /** Unified IRQ handler for all timers */
 static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev);
 
-/** Type for timer state */
-typedef struct {
-    void (*cb)(int);
-} timer_conf_t;
-
 /** Timer state memory */
-timer_conf_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
+static timer_isr_ctx_t config[TIMER_NUMOF];
 
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     TIM_TypeDef *timer;
 
@@ -72,7 +67,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     }
 
     /* set callback function */
-    config[dev].cb = callback;
+    config[dev].cb = cb;
+    config[dev].arg = arg;
 
     /* set timer to run in counter mode */
     timer->CR1 = 0;
@@ -290,22 +286,22 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t timer, TIM_TypeDef *dev)
     if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC1IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC1IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC1IF;
-        config[timer].cb(0);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 0);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC2IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC2IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC2IF;
-        config[timer].cb(1);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 1);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC3IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC3IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC3IF;
-        config[timer].cb(2);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 2);
     }
     else if (dev->SR & TIM_SR_CC4IF) {
         dev->DIER &= ~TIM_DIER_CC4IE;
         dev->SR &= ~TIM_SR_CC4IF;
-        config[timer].cb(3);
+        config[timer].cb(config[timer].arg, 3);
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {
         thread_yield();
diff --git a/cpu/stm32l1/periph/timer.c b/cpu/stm32l1/periph/timer.c
index b16a004d98..ac6f190481 100644
--- a/cpu/stm32l1/periph/timer.c
+++ b/cpu/stm32l1/periph/timer.c
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ static inline TIM_TypeDef *_tim(tim_t dev)
     return timer_config[dev].dev;
 }
 
-int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
+int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, timer_cb_t cb, void *arg)
 {
     TIM_TypeDef *tim;
 
@@ -55,7 +55,8 @@ int timer_init(tim_t dev, unsigned long freq, void (*callback)(int))
     /* get base register */
     tim = _tim(dev);
     /* save callback */
-    isr_ctx[dev].cb = callback;
+    isr_ctx[dev].cb = cb;
+    isr_ctx[dev].cb = arg;
     /* enable peripheral clock */
     RCC->APB1ENR |= (1 << timer_config[dev].rcc);
     /* reset timer and configure to up-counting mode */
@@ -139,7 +140,7 @@ static inline void irq_handler(tim_t num, TIM_TypeDef *tim)
         if ((tim->SR & bit) && (tim->DIER & bit)) {
             tim->SR &= ~(bit);
             tim->DIER &= ~(bit);
-            isr_ctx[num].cb(i);
+            isr_ctx[num].cb(isr_ctx[num].arg, i);
         }
     }
     if (sched_context_switch_request) {