diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index f0c2703..af33f08 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -180,90 +180,90 @@
 
 OBJS := $(addprefix $(obj),$(OBJS))
 
-LIBS  = lib/libgeneric.a
-LIBS += lib/lzma/liblzma.a
-LIBS += lib/lzo/liblzo.a
+LIBS  = lib/libgeneric.o
+LIBS += lib/lzma/liblzma.o
+LIBS += lib/lzo/liblzo.o
 LIBS += $(shell if [ -f board/$(VENDOR)/common/Makefile ]; then echo \
-	"board/$(VENDOR)/common/lib$(VENDOR).a"; fi)
-LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/lib$(CPU).a
+	"board/$(VENDOR)/common/lib$(VENDOR).o"; fi)
+LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/lib$(CPU).o
 ifdef SOC
-LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/$(SOC)/lib$(SOC).a
+LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/$(SOC)/lib$(SOC).o
 endif
 ifeq ($(CPU),ixp)
-LIBS += arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.a
+LIBS += arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.o
 endif
-LIBS += arch/$(ARCH)/lib/lib$(ARCH).a
-LIBS += fs/cramfs/libcramfs.a fs/fat/libfat.a fs/fdos/libfdos.a fs/jffs2/libjffs2.a \
-	fs/reiserfs/libreiserfs.a fs/ext2/libext2fs.a fs/yaffs2/libyaffs2.a \
-	fs/ubifs/libubifs.a
-LIBS += net/libnet.a
-LIBS += disk/libdisk.a
-LIBS += drivers/bios_emulator/libatibiosemu.a
-LIBS += drivers/block/libblock.a
-LIBS += drivers/dma/libdma.a
-LIBS += drivers/fpga/libfpga.a
-LIBS += drivers/gpio/libgpio.a
-LIBS += drivers/hwmon/libhwmon.a
-LIBS += drivers/i2c/libi2c.a
-LIBS += drivers/input/libinput.a
-LIBS += drivers/misc/libmisc.a
-LIBS += drivers/mmc/libmmc.a
-LIBS += drivers/mtd/libmtd.a
-LIBS += drivers/mtd/nand/libnand.a
-LIBS += drivers/mtd/onenand/libonenand.a
-LIBS += drivers/mtd/ubi/libubi.a
-LIBS += drivers/mtd/spi/libspi_flash.a
-LIBS += drivers/net/libnet.a
-LIBS += drivers/net/phy/libphy.a
-LIBS += drivers/pci/libpci.a
-LIBS += drivers/pcmcia/libpcmcia.a
-LIBS += drivers/power/libpower.a
-LIBS += drivers/spi/libspi.a
+LIBS += arch/$(ARCH)/lib/lib$(ARCH).o
+LIBS += fs/cramfs/libcramfs.o fs/fat/libfat.o fs/fdos/libfdos.o fs/jffs2/libjffs2.o \
+	fs/reiserfs/libreiserfs.o fs/ext2/libext2fs.o fs/yaffs2/libyaffs2.o \
+	fs/ubifs/libubifs.o
+LIBS += net/libnet.o
+LIBS += disk/libdisk.o
+LIBS += drivers/bios_emulator/libatibiosemu.o
+LIBS += drivers/block/libblock.o
+LIBS += drivers/dma/libdma.o
+LIBS += drivers/fpga/libfpga.o
+LIBS += drivers/gpio/libgpio.o
+LIBS += drivers/hwmon/libhwmon.o
+LIBS += drivers/i2c/libi2c.o
+LIBS += drivers/input/libinput.o
+LIBS += drivers/misc/libmisc.o
+LIBS += drivers/mmc/libmmc.o
+LIBS += drivers/mtd/libmtd.o
+LIBS += drivers/mtd/nand/libnand.o
+LIBS += drivers/mtd/onenand/libonenand.o
+LIBS += drivers/mtd/ubi/libubi.o
+LIBS += drivers/mtd/spi/libspi_flash.o
+LIBS += drivers/net/libnet.o
+LIBS += drivers/net/phy/libphy.o
+LIBS += drivers/pci/libpci.o
+LIBS += drivers/pcmcia/libpcmcia.o
+LIBS += drivers/power/libpower.o
+LIBS += drivers/spi/libspi.o
 ifeq ($(CPU),mpc83xx)
-LIBS += drivers/qe/qe.a
-LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/lib8xxx.a
+LIBS += drivers/qe/libqe.o
+LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/lib8xxx.o
 endif
 ifeq ($(CPU),mpc85xx)
-LIBS += drivers/qe/qe.a
-LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/libddr.a
-LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/lib8xxx.a
+LIBS += drivers/qe/libqe.o
+LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/libddr.o
+LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/lib8xxx.o
 endif
 ifeq ($(CPU),mpc86xx)
-LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/libddr.a
-LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/lib8xxx.a
+LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/libddr.o
+LIBS += arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/lib8xxx.o
 endif
-LIBS += drivers/rtc/librtc.a
-LIBS += drivers/serial/libserial.a
-LIBS += drivers/twserial/libtws.a
-LIBS += drivers/usb/gadget/libusb_gadget.a
-LIBS += drivers/usb/host/libusb_host.a
-LIBS += drivers/usb/musb/libusb_musb.a
-LIBS += drivers/usb/phy/libusb_phy.a
-LIBS += drivers/video/libvideo.a
-LIBS += drivers/watchdog/libwatchdog.a
-LIBS += common/libcommon.a
-LIBS += lib/libfdt/libfdt.a
-LIBS += api/libapi.a
-LIBS += post/libpost.a
+LIBS += drivers/rtc/librtc.o
+LIBS += drivers/serial/libserial.o
+LIBS += drivers/twserial/libtws.o
+LIBS += drivers/usb/gadget/libusb_gadget.o
+LIBS += drivers/usb/host/libusb_host.o
+LIBS += drivers/usb/musb/libusb_musb.o
+LIBS += drivers/usb/phy/libusb_phy.o
+LIBS += drivers/video/libvideo.o
+LIBS += drivers/watchdog/libwatchdog.o
+LIBS += common/libcommon.o
+LIBS += lib/libfdt/libfdt.o
+LIBS += api/libapi.o
+LIBS += post/libpost.o
 
 ifeq ($(SOC),omap3)
-LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/omap-common/libomap-common.a
+LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/omap-common/libomap-common.o
 endif
 ifeq ($(SOC),omap4)
-LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/omap-common/libomap-common.a
+LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/omap-common/libomap-common.o
 endif
 
 ifeq ($(SOC),s5pc1xx)
-LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/s5p-common/libs5p-common.a
+LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/s5p-common/libs5p-common.o
 endif
 ifeq ($(SOC),s5pc2xx)
-LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/s5p-common/libs5p-common.a
+LIBS += $(CPUDIR)/s5p-common/libs5p-common.o
 endif
 
 LIBS := $(addprefix $(obj),$(LIBS))
 .PHONY : $(LIBS) $(TIMESTAMP_FILE) $(VERSION_FILE)
 
-LIBBOARD = board/$(BOARDDIR)/lib$(BOARD).a
+LIBBOARD = board/$(BOARDDIR)/lib$(BOARD).o
 LIBBOARD := $(addprefix $(obj),$(LIBBOARD))
 
 # Add GCC lib
diff --git a/api/Makefile b/api/Makefile
index 4216892..2a64c4d 100644
--- a/api/Makefile
+++ b/api/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libapi.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libapi.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_API) += api.o api_net.o api_storage.o api_platform-$(ARCH).o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 # defines $(obj).depend target
 include $(SRCTREE)/rules.mk
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/Makefile
index 7701b03..930e0d1 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/mx31/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/mx31/Makefile
index c8e18f7..eaed371 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/mx31/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/mx31/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	+= generic.o
 COBJS	+= timer.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/omap24xx/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/omap24xx/Makefile
index 48dc7e3..0776101 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/omap24xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/omap24xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	= reset.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/Makefile
index 1ca9199..7ec869b 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/s3c64xx/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/s3c64xx/Makefile
index b527939..0785b19 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/s3c64xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/s3c64xx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	= reset.o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/tnetv107x/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/tnetv107x/Makefile
index fe9d8a0..c63dc92 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/tnetv107x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm1176/tnetv107x/Makefile
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	+= aemif.o clock.o init.o mux.o timer.o wdt.o
 SOBJS	+= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/Makefile
index d5ac7d3..1a097b5 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= interrupts.o cpu.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/lpc2292/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/lpc2292/Makefile
index 240f1e3..1b93008 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/lpc2292/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/lpc2292/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= flash.o mmc.o mmc_hw.o spi.o
 SOBJS	= $(obj)iap_entry.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 # this MUST be compiled as thumb code!
 $(SOBJS):
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/s3c4510b/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/s3c4510b/Makefile
index c099036..5c6df08 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/s3c4510b/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm720t/s3c4510b/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= cache.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/Makefile
index cbb13b2..dcc7782 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/a320/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/a320/Makefile
index f030c53..31da706 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/a320/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/a320/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	+= reset.o
 COBJS	+= timer.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91/Makefile
index d8a4383..5c71b77 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	+= lowlevel_init.o
 COBJS	+= reset.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91rm9200/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91rm9200/Makefile
index 114d8ad..7530e6a 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91rm9200/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/at91rm9200/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	+= lowlevel_init.o
 
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ep93xx/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ep93xx/Makefile
index 01a2f55..1d6a538 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ep93xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ep93xx/Makefile
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 #
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB = $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB = $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS   = cpu.o led.o speed.o timer.o
 SOBJS   = lowlevel_init.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:    $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/imx/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/imx/Makefile
index 28945e2..32b41b3 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/imx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/imx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	+= generic.o
 COBJS	+= speed.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ks8695/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ks8695/Makefile
index f53fdc2..00ce62b 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ks8695/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/ks8695/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/s3c24x0/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/s3c24x0/Makefile
index 7e8d6ed..bd53724 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/s3c24x0/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm920t/s3c24x0/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_USE_IRQ) += interrupts.o
 COBJS-y	+= speed.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm925t/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm925t/Makefile
index 8d0e88f..29465c2 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm925t/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm925t/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/Makefile
index 7701b03..930e0d1 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/at91/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/at91/Makefile
index def3980..be9f6dd 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/at91/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/at91/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_AT91CAP9)	+= at91cap9_devices.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_AT91SAM9260)	+= at91sam9260_devices.o
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/davinci/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/davinci/Makefile
index d7e9e2c..4eb1d87 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/davinci/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/davinci/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-y				+= cpu.o timer.o psc.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SOC_DM355)	+= dm355.o
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/kirkwood/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/kirkwood/Makefile
index fc2cc03..0754297 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/kirkwood/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/kirkwood/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-y	= cpu.o
 COBJS-y	+= dram.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mb86r0x/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mb86r0x/Makefile
index ce3e5a5..bab048b 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mb86r0x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mb86r0x/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= clock.o reset.o timer.o
 SOBJS	=
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx25/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx25/Makefile
index 76f0179..38d7f03 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx25/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx25/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= generic.o timer.o
 MX27OBJS = reset.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx27/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx27/Makefile
index 67d1b0e..0e112b3 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx27/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/mx27/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= generic.o reset.o timer.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/nomadik/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/nomadik/Makefile
index 0fc9f2a..1c1f58e 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/nomadik/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/nomadik/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= timer.o gpio.o
 SOBJS	= reset.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/omap/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/omap/Makefile
index 74aea74..862ca02 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/omap/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/omap/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= timer.o cpuinfo.o
 SOBJS	= reset.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/orion5x/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/orion5x/Makefile
index 11f4141..e5a9994 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/orion5x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/orion5x/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-y	= cpu.o
 COBJS-y	+= dram.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/spear/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/spear/Makefile
index bf8dfa8..1cbff43 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/spear/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/spear/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	:= reset.o \
 	   timer.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/versatile/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/versatile/Makefile
index c335d5c..64e6aae 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/versatile/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm926ejs/versatile/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= timer.o
 SOBJS	= reset.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm946es/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm946es/Makefile
index e81f2da..d4747f3 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm946es/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm946es/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/arm_intcm/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/arm_intcm/Makefile
index 7701b03..930e0d1 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/arm_intcm/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/arm_intcm/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/Makefile
index 7743fef..8c0e915 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	:= start.o
 COBJS	:= cpu.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/mx5/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/mx5/Makefile
index 7cfaa2c..e8be9c9 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/mx5/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/mx5/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	= soc.o clock.o iomux.o timer.o speed.o
 SOBJS = lowlevel_init.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap-common/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap-common/Makefile
index aedea7b..dc01ee5 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap-common/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap-common/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libomap-common.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libomap-common.o
 
 SOBJS	:= reset.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap3/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap3/Makefile
index 95526d6..7164d50 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap3/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	=  $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	=  $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
 SOBJS	+= cache.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:	 $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap4/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap4/Makefile
index d926fbb..987dc9d 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap4/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/omap4/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	=  $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	=  $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	+= lowlevel_init.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	 $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5p-common/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5p-common/Makefile
index 37371f6..922cd95 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5p-common/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5p-common/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libs5p-common.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libs5p-common.o
 
 COBJS-y		+= cpu_info.o
 COBJS-y		+= timer.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	 $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5pc1xx/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5pc1xx/Makefile
index 263945f..b182bf5 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5pc1xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/armv7/s5pc1xx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 SOBJS	= cache.o
 SOBJS	+= reset.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	 $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/Makefile
index 1403c4f..b0a466e 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/Makefile
index e1f9700..c756a1d 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB := $(obj)libnpe.a
+LIB := $(obj)libnpe.o
 
 LOCAL_CFLAGS  += -I$(TOPDIR)/arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/include -DCONFIG_IXP425_COMPONENT_ETHDB -D__linux
 CFLAGS  += $(LOCAL_CFLAGS)
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/lh7a40x/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/lh7a40x/Makefile
index 1b3f58a..01cf7f5 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/lh7a40x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/lh7a40x/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o speed.o timer.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/pxa/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/pxa/Makefile
index 07a151a..49a6ed3 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/pxa/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/pxa/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/s3c44b0/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/s3c44b0/Makefile
index 6da2016..7742dc2 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/s3c44b0/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/s3c44b0/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/cpu/sa1100/Makefile b/arch/arm/cpu/sa1100/Makefile
index 28b6682..1021c99 100644
--- a/arch/arm/cpu/sa1100/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/cpu/sa1100/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/lib/Makefile b/arch/arm/lib/Makefile
index 0293348..454440c 100644
--- a/arch/arm/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/arm/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
-LIBGCC	= $(obj)libgcc.a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
+LIBGCC	= $(obj)libgcc.o
 
 GLSOBJS	+= _ashldi3.o
 GLSOBJS	+= _ashrdi3.o
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
 LGOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(GLSOBJS)) \
 	   $(addprefix $(obj),$(GLCOBJS))
 
-# Always build libarm.a
+# Always build libarm.o
 TARGETS	:= $(LIB)
 
 # Build private libgcc only when asked for
@@ -67,10 +67,10 @@
 all:	$(TARGETS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 $(LIBGCC): $(obj).depend $(LGOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(LGOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(LGOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/avr32/cpu/Makefile b/arch/avr32/cpu/Makefile
index 60899c7..edb866f 100644
--- a/arch/avr32/cpu/Makefile
+++ b/arch/avr32/cpu/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START-y			+= start.o
 
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 all: $(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/avr32/cpu/at32ap700x/Makefile b/arch/avr32/cpu/at32ap700x/Makefile
index 30ea925..8372149 100644
--- a/arch/avr32/cpu/at32ap700x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/avr32/cpu/at32ap700x/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS	:= portmux.o clk.o mmu.o
 SRCS	:= $(SOBJS:.o=.S) $(COBJS:.o=.c)
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 all: $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/avr32/lib/Makefile b/arch/avr32/lib/Makefile
index 37b8051..ee6d067 100644
--- a/arch/avr32/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/avr32/lib/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+= memset.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/blackfin/cpu/Makefile b/arch/blackfin/cpu/Makefile
index b7f991d..7c5400e 100644
--- a/arch/blackfin/cpu/Makefile
+++ b/arch/blackfin/cpu/Makefile
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 EXTRA    :=
 CEXTRA   := initcode.o
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB) $(obj).depend $(EXTRA) $(CEXTRA) $(SEXTRA) check_initcode
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 $(OBJS): $(obj)bootrom-asm-offsets.h
 $(obj)bootrom-asm-offsets.c: bootrom-asm-offsets.c.in bootrom-asm-offsets.awk
diff --git a/arch/blackfin/lib/Makefile b/arch/blackfin/lib/Makefile
index a18bbd6..4a22766 100644
--- a/arch/blackfin/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/blackfin/lib/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 CFLAGS += -DBFIN_BOARD_NAME='"$(BOARD)"'
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+= ins.o
 SOBJS-y	+= memcmp.o
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/i386/cpu/Makefile b/arch/i386/cpu/Makefile
index bb0a48f..ddde83c 100644
--- a/arch/i386/cpu/Makefile
+++ b/arch/i386/cpu/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o start16.o resetvec.o
 COBJS	= interrupts.o cpu.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/i386/cpu/sc520/Makefile b/arch/i386/cpu/sc520/Makefile
index 87835b2..fb47c20 100644
--- a/arch/i386/cpu/sc520/Makefile
+++ b/arch/i386/cpu/sc520/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(SOC).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(SOC).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SYS_SC520) += sc520.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SYS_SC520_SSI) += sc520_ssi.o
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 all: $(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/i386/lib/Makefile b/arch/i386/lib/Makefile
index 9838506..71e94f7 100644
--- a/arch/i386/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/i386/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+= bios.o
 SOBJS-y	+= bios_pci.o
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/Makefile b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/Makefile
index d0e9b45..eb36264 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o speed.o cpu_init.o interrupts.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/Makefile b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/Makefile
index d0e9b45..eb36264 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o speed.o cpu_init.o interrupts.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/Makefile b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/Makefile
index 937cdd0..135744e 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= interrupts.o cpu.o speed.o cpu_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/Makefile b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/Makefile
index 6790d90..257d46d 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	=
 COBJS	= cpu.o speed.o cpu_init.o interrupts.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/Makefile b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/Makefile
index 26ec298..047e35d 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o speed.o cpu_init.o interrupts.o pci.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf547x_8x/Makefile b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf547x_8x/Makefile
index e12bef1..e41ce68 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf547x_8x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/cpu/mcf547x_8x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	=
 COBJS	= cpu.o speed.o cpu_init.o pci.o interrupts.o slicetimer.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/m68k/lib/Makefile b/arch/m68k/lib/Makefile
index 6db35ed..a8d6cd5 100644
--- a/arch/m68k/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/m68k/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+=
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/microblaze/cpu/Makefile b/arch/microblaze/cpu/Makefile
index 9d54201..1c169dd 100644
--- a/arch/microblaze/cpu/Makefile
+++ b/arch/microblaze/cpu/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	= irq.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/microblaze/lib/Makefile b/arch/microblaze/lib/Makefile
index 8176437..de0a7d3 100644
--- a/arch/microblaze/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/microblaze/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+=
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/mips/cpu/Makefile b/arch/mips/cpu/Makefile
index 28a1cbb..06df8d1 100644
--- a/arch/mips/cpu/Makefile
+++ b/arch/mips/cpu/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS-y	= cache.o
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/mips/lib/Makefile b/arch/mips/lib/Makefile
index 7967e58..4e90704 100644
--- a/arch/mips/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/mips/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+=
 
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/nios2/cpu/Makefile b/arch/nios2/cpu/Makefile
index 3dfaa83..aa41160 100644
--- a/arch/nios2/cpu/Makefile
+++ b/arch/nios2/cpu/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	= exceptions.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/nios2/lib/Makefile b/arch/nios2/lib/Makefile
index 92320c5..443f99e 100644
--- a/arch/nios2/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/nios2/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+= cache.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/74xx_7xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/74xx_7xx/Makefile
index fe905f3..8c2800b 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/74xx_7xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/74xx_7xx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	= cache.o kgdb.o io.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc512x/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc512x/Makefile
index 37b06f3..cb1263a 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc512x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc512x/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 $(shell mkdir -p $(OBJTREE)/board/freescale/common)
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS-y	:= cpu.o
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xx/Makefile
index 80c5320..078b524 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xx/Makefile
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= serial.o cpu.o cpu_init.o interrupts.o traps.o speed.o spi.o
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xxx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xxx/Makefile
index 0ee0611..ecaeb22 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xxx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc5xxx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	= io.o firmware_sc_task_bestcomm.impl.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8220/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8220/Makefile
index b4fad28..b8529ef 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8220/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8220/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	= io.o fec_dma_tasks.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc824x/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc824x/Makefile
index a57ad12..2bfcd85 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc824x/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc824x/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)drivers/i2c)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 COBJS	= traps.o cpu.o cpu_init.o interrupts.o speed.o \
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 $(obj)bedbug_603e.c:
 	ln -sf $(src)../mpc8260/bedbug_603e.c $(obj)bedbug_603e.c
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8260/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8260/Makefile
index 9f0c2dd..aa8b881 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8260/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8260/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o kgdb.o
 COBJS	= traps.o serial_smc.o serial_scc.o cpu.o cpu_init.o speed.o \
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(obj)kgdb.o
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(obj)kgdb.o)
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile
index 15e2c18..3979b6f 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc85xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc85xx/Makefile
index b7c0272..63d7923 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc85xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc85xx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o resetvec.o
 SOBJS-$(CONFIG_MP)	+= release.o
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc86xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc86xx/Makefile
index daca79a..9b2db1b 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc86xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc86xx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(ASOBJS) $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile
index 5f70459..527771e 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START-y	+= start.o
 START-y	+= kgdb.o
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(obj)kgdb.o
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(obj)kgdb.o)
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/Makefile
index ea51222..ab80dd7 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/Makefile
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib8xxx.a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib8xxx.o
 
 ifneq ($(CPU),mpc83xx)
 COBJS-y	+= cpu.o
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 include $(SRCTREE)/rules.mk
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/Makefile
index cb7f856..4a5a785 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/mpc8xxx/ddr/Makefile
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libddr.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libddr.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_DDR1)	+= main.o util.o ctrl_regs.o options.o \
 				   lc_common_dimm_params.o
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 include $(SRCTREE)/rules.mk
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile
index fa8d10c..129a61e 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	:= resetvec.o
 START	+= start.o
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/powerpc/lib/Makefile b/arch/powerpc/lib/Makefile
index cec7666..724d8ee 100644
--- a/arch/powerpc/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/powerpc/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+= ppccache.o
 SOBJS-y	+= ppcstring.o
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@
 		echo "       Upgrade to a recent toolchain."; \
 		exit 1; \
 	fi;
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/sh/cpu/sh2/Makefile b/arch/sh/cpu/sh2/Makefile
index 346d328..a36f0c3 100644
--- a/arch/sh/cpu/sh2/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sh/cpu/sh2/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 SOBJS	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o interrupts.o watchdog.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS   := $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/arch/sh/cpu/sh3/Makefile b/arch/sh/cpu/sh3/Makefile
index 35e8f51..d51b07c 100644
--- a/arch/sh/cpu/sh3/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sh/cpu/sh3/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 SOBJS	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o interrupts.o watchdog.o cache.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/arch/sh/cpu/sh4/Makefile b/arch/sh/cpu/sh4/Makefile
index 3c96a49..ba84de3 100644
--- a/arch/sh/cpu/sh4/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sh/cpu/sh4/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 SOBJS	= start.o
 COBJS	= cpu.o interrupts.o watchdog.o cache.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/arch/sh/lib/Makefile b/arch/sh/lib/Makefile
index f7c6479..7f60396 100644
--- a/arch/sh/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sh/lib/Makefile
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS-y	+=
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/sparc/cpu/leon2/Makefile b/arch/sparc/cpu/leon2/Makefile
index 91dc967..a9a18eb 100644
--- a/arch/sparc/cpu/leon2/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sparc/cpu/leon2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	=
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/sparc/cpu/leon3/Makefile b/arch/sparc/cpu/leon3/Makefile
index 64c67f8..16d3377 100644
--- a/arch/sparc/cpu/leon3/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sparc/cpu/leon3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(CPU).o
 
 START	= start.o
 SOBJS	=
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(START) $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/arch/sparc/lib/Makefile b/arch/sparc/lib/Makefile
index 040ca10..7133ef1 100644
--- a/arch/sparc/lib/Makefile
+++ b/arch/sparc/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(ARCH).o
 
 SOBJS	=
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/BuS/EB+MCF-EV123/Makefile b/board/BuS/EB+MCF-EV123/Makefile
index 44961b9..0f14699 100644
--- a/board/BuS/EB+MCF-EV123/Makefile
+++ b/board/BuS/EB+MCF-EV123/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o cfm_flash.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/BuS/eb_cpux9k2/Makefile b/board/BuS/eb_cpux9k2/Makefile
index 8171a7d..f45836f 100644
--- a/board/BuS/eb_cpux9k2/Makefile
+++ b/board/BuS/eb_cpux9k2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cpux9k2.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/LEOX/elpt860/Makefile b/board/LEOX/elpt860/Makefile
index 2928691..96727cb 100644
--- a/board/LEOX/elpt860/Makefile
+++ b/board/LEOX/elpt860/Makefile
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/LaCie/edminiv2/Makefile b/board/LaCie/edminiv2/Makefile
index df542dc..f733389 100644
--- a/board/LaCie/edminiv2/Makefile
+++ b/board/LaCie/edminiv2/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= edminiv2.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/Marvell/db64360/Makefile b/board/Marvell/db64360/Makefile
index 641a0ab..036d255 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/db64360/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/db64360/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS	= ../common/misc.o
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/Marvell/db64460/Makefile b/board/Marvell/db64460/Makefile
index 641a0ab..036d255 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/db64460/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/db64460/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS	= ../common/misc.o
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/Marvell/guruplug/Makefile b/board/Marvell/guruplug/Makefile
index 99748a7..ff7e9d7 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/guruplug/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/guruplug/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= guruplug.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/Marvell/mv88f6281gtw_ge/Makefile b/board/Marvell/mv88f6281gtw_ge/Makefile
index 92d0b47..2443101 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/mv88f6281gtw_ge/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/mv88f6281gtw_ge/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mv88f6281gtw_ge.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/Marvell/openrd_base/Makefile b/board/Marvell/openrd_base/Makefile
index 3ef0b9b..d6d0ed3 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/openrd_base/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/openrd_base/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= openrd_base.o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/Marvell/rd6281a/Makefile b/board/Marvell/rd6281a/Makefile
index 907dd7d..e730e37 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/rd6281a/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/rd6281a/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= rd6281a.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/Marvell/sheevaplug/Makefile b/board/Marvell/sheevaplug/Makefile
index e378b5b..d2286fa 100644
--- a/board/Marvell/sheevaplug/Makefile
+++ b/board/Marvell/sheevaplug/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sheevaplug.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/RPXClassic/Makefile b/board/RPXClassic/Makefile
index 19ea3ed..554a865 100644
--- a/board/RPXClassic/Makefile
+++ b/board/RPXClassic/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o eccx.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/RPXlite/Makefile b/board/RPXlite/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/RPXlite/Makefile
+++ b/board/RPXlite/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/RPXlite_dw/Makefile b/board/RPXlite_dw/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/RPXlite_dw/Makefile
+++ b/board/RPXlite_dw/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/RRvision/Makefile b/board/RRvision/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/RRvision/Makefile
+++ b/board/RRvision/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/a3000/Makefile b/board/a3000/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/a3000/Makefile
+++ b/board/a3000/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/a4m072/Makefile b/board/a4m072/Makefile
index 442e2d0..d3c31d6 100644
--- a/board/a4m072/Makefile
+++ b/board/a4m072/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/actux1/Makefile b/board/actux1/Makefile
index b7cc6e1..31e044b 100644
--- a/board/actux1/Makefile
+++ b/board/actux1/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= actux1.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/actux1/config.mk b/board/actux1/config.mk
index dd1d8d3..88634f7 100644
--- a/board/actux1/config.mk
+++ b/board/actux1/config.mk
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 CONFIG_SYS_TEXT_BASE = 0x00e00000
 
 # include NPE ethernet driver
-BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.a
+BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.o
 
 LDSCRIPT := $(SRCTREE)/board/$(BOARDDIR)/u-boot.lds
diff --git a/board/actux2/Makefile b/board/actux2/Makefile
index 5ef3bda..b026d94 100644
--- a/board/actux2/Makefile
+++ b/board/actux2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= actux2.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/actux2/config.mk b/board/actux2/config.mk
index dd1d8d3..88634f7 100644
--- a/board/actux2/config.mk
+++ b/board/actux2/config.mk
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 CONFIG_SYS_TEXT_BASE = 0x00e00000
 
 # include NPE ethernet driver
-BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.a
+BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.o
 
 LDSCRIPT := $(SRCTREE)/board/$(BOARDDIR)/u-boot.lds
diff --git a/board/actux3/Makefile b/board/actux3/Makefile
index 2cd6d84..97317fb 100644
--- a/board/actux3/Makefile
+++ b/board/actux3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= actux3.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/actux3/config.mk b/board/actux3/config.mk
index dd1d8d3..88634f7 100644
--- a/board/actux3/config.mk
+++ b/board/actux3/config.mk
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 CONFIG_SYS_TEXT_BASE = 0x00e00000
 
 # include NPE ethernet driver
-BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.a
+BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.o
 
 LDSCRIPT := $(SRCTREE)/board/$(BOARDDIR)/u-boot.lds
diff --git a/board/actux4/Makefile b/board/actux4/Makefile
index b82fc62..c631a5b 100644
--- a/board/actux4/Makefile
+++ b/board/actux4/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= actux4.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/actux4/config.mk b/board/actux4/config.mk
index 09ae589..9cb838b 100644
--- a/board/actux4/config.mk
+++ b/board/actux4/config.mk
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 CONFIG_SYS_TEXT_BASE = 0x00e00000
 
 # include NPE ethernet driver
-BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.a
+BOARDLIBS = arch/arm/cpu/ixp/npe/libnpe.o
diff --git a/board/adder/Makefile b/board/adder/Makefile
index 6b3706d..70205f1 100644
--- a/board/adder/Makefile
+++ b/board/adder/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/afeb9260/Makefile b/board/afeb9260/Makefile
index 73187fb..895412d 100644
--- a/board/afeb9260/Makefile
+++ b/board/afeb9260/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= afeb9260.o
 COBJS-y	+= partition.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/alaska/Makefile b/board/alaska/Makefile
index 5297e81..d8aace2 100644
--- a/board/alaska/Makefile
+++ b/board/alaska/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/altera/nios2-generic/Makefile b/board/altera/nios2-generic/Makefile
index d1fca70..6386352 100644
--- a/board/altera/nios2-generic/Makefile
+++ b/board/altera/nios2-generic/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_IDE) += ../common/cfide.o
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/acadia/Makefile b/board/amcc/acadia/Makefile
index 9abb29d..b277287 100644
--- a/board/amcc/acadia/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/acadia/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o cmd_acadia.o memory.o pll.o
 SOBJS	=
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/bamboo/Makefile b/board/amcc/bamboo/Makefile
index 0649799..7c0f50f 100644
--- a/board/amcc/bamboo/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/bamboo/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/bluestone/Makefile b/board/amcc/bluestone/Makefile
index 41751c8..bcc5252 100644
--- a/board/amcc/bluestone/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/bluestone/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:= init.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/bubinga/Makefile b/board/amcc/bubinga/Makefile
index 1939d51..9f63df1 100644
--- a/board/amcc/bubinga/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/bubinga/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/canyonlands/Makefile b/board/amcc/canyonlands/Makefile
index 12f8a64..c8ecaf9 100644
--- a/board/amcc/canyonlands/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/canyonlands/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/ebony/Makefile b/board/amcc/ebony/Makefile
index 6ab1a26..b5d0fe5 100644
--- a/board/amcc/ebony/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/ebony/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/katmai/Makefile b/board/amcc/katmai/Makefile
index 168bab5..466b190 100644
--- a/board/amcc/katmai/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/katmai/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/kilauea/Makefile b/board/amcc/kilauea/Makefile
index 751e9f3..726c3ce 100644
--- a/board/amcc/kilauea/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/kilauea/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/luan/Makefile b/board/amcc/luan/Makefile
index 6ab1a26..b5d0fe5 100644
--- a/board/amcc/luan/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/luan/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/makalu/Makefile b/board/amcc/makalu/Makefile
index dc3edc1..e10fadb 100644
--- a/board/amcc/makalu/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/makalu/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o cmd_pll.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/ocotea/Makefile b/board/amcc/ocotea/Makefile
index 6ab1a26..b5d0fe5 100644
--- a/board/amcc/ocotea/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/ocotea/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/redwood/Makefile b/board/amcc/redwood/Makefile
index 5793307..8759001 100644
--- a/board/amcc/redwood/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/redwood/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/sequoia/Makefile b/board/amcc/sequoia/Makefile
index 8da3bd5..5085138 100644
--- a/board/amcc/sequoia/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/sequoia/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/taihu/Makefile b/board/amcc/taihu/Makefile
index 0b9f970..9b2e7e4 100644
--- a/board/amcc/taihu/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/taihu/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o lcd.o update.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/taishan/Makefile b/board/amcc/taishan/Makefile
index 9d20e0f..099cf9d 100644
--- a/board/amcc/taishan/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/taishan/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o lcd.o update.o showinfo.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/walnut/Makefile b/board/amcc/walnut/Makefile
index 1939d51..9f63df1 100644
--- a/board/amcc/walnut/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/walnut/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/yosemite/Makefile b/board/amcc/yosemite/Makefile
index b93f2c3..5b0ffc2 100644
--- a/board/amcc/yosemite/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/yosemite/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amcc/yucca/Makefile b/board/amcc/yucca/Makefile
index 0ff522c..d9fb713 100644
--- a/board/amcc/yucca/Makefile
+++ b/board/amcc/yucca/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o cmd_yucca.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/amirix/ap1000/Makefile b/board/amirix/ap1000/Makefile
index d072934..fdf6145 100644
--- a/board/amirix/ap1000/Makefile
+++ b/board/amirix/ap1000/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o serial.o pci.o powerspan.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/apollon/Makefile b/board/apollon/Makefile
index f20de3c..ce41efc 100644
--- a/board/apollon/Makefile
+++ b/board/apollon/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= apollon.o mem.o sys_info.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/armadillo/Makefile b/board/armadillo/Makefile
index b18e42b..3b52452 100644
--- a/board/armadillo/Makefile
+++ b/board/armadillo/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= armadillo.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/armltd/integrator/Makefile b/board/armltd/integrator/Makefile
index 14d64b7..c452631 100644
--- a/board/armltd/integrator/Makefile
+++ b/board/armltd/integrator/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS-y	:= lowlevel_init.o
 
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(COBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(COBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(COBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(COBJS)
diff --git a/board/armltd/versatile/Makefile b/board/armltd/versatile/Makefile
index 80a2c7e..3470328 100644
--- a/board/armltd/versatile/Makefile
+++ b/board/armltd/versatile/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= versatile.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/armltd/vexpress/Makefile b/board/armltd/vexpress/Makefile
index ee5c0d8..49c4b81 100644
--- a/board/armltd/vexpress/Makefile
+++ b/board/armltd/vexpress/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ca9x4_ct_vxp.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/assabet/Makefile b/board/assabet/Makefile
index 03f0762..b3cf4aa 100644
--- a/board/assabet/Makefile
+++ b/board/assabet/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= assabet.o
 SOBJS	:= setup.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/astro/mcf5373l/Makefile b/board/astro/mcf5373l/Makefile
index c7a1d05..d44a260 100644
--- a/board/astro/mcf5373l/Makefile
+++ b/board/astro/mcf5373l/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o fpga.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/atc/Makefile b/board/atc/Makefile
index 4b9cd7b..bbfb28c 100644
--- a/board/atc/Makefile
+++ b/board/atc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ti113x.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91cap9adk/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91cap9adk/Makefile
index 2496f9b..2eec0ce 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91cap9adk/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91cap9adk/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= at91cap9adk.o
 COBJS-y	+= led.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91rm9200dk/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91rm9200dk/Makefile
index 79d41d6..bc3dbc6 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91rm9200dk/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91rm9200dk/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y += flash.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91rm9200ek/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91rm9200ek/Makefile
index 96a0f05..f64e595 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91rm9200ek/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91rm9200ek/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91sam9260ek/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91sam9260ek/Makefile
index aaa3240..1fd8529 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91sam9260ek/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91sam9260ek/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= at91sam9260ek.o
 COBJS-y	+= led.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91sam9261ek/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91sam9261ek/Makefile
index d9b3a79..9d20ba0 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91sam9261ek/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91sam9261ek/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += at91sam9261ek.o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91sam9263ek/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91sam9263ek/Makefile
index 79ec45f..e43326e 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91sam9263ek/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91sam9263ek/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += at91sam9263ek.o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91sam9m10g45ek/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91sam9m10g45ek/Makefile
index 4caf1e4..7aa2521 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91sam9m10g45ek/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91sam9m10g45ek/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += at91sam9m10g45ek.o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/at91sam9rlek/Makefile b/board/atmel/at91sam9rlek/Makefile
index 92a5a2b..234aeb6 100644
--- a/board/atmel/at91sam9rlek/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/at91sam9rlek/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += at91sam9rlek.o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/atmel/atngw100/Makefile b/board/atmel/atngw100/Makefile
index 9f3849f..7fbd20d 100644
--- a/board/atmel/atngw100/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/atngw100/Makefile
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/atmel/atstk1000/Makefile b/board/atmel/atstk1000/Makefile
index f9b26e5..ae47396 100644
--- a/board/atmel/atstk1000/Makefile
+++ b/board/atmel/atstk1000/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB			:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB			:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y			+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y			+= flash.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 OBJS			:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/atum8548/Makefile b/board/atum8548/Makefile
index b991308..0bb9ec8 100644
--- a/board/atum8548/Makefile
+++ b/board/atum8548/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/balloon3/Makefile b/board/balloon3/Makefile
index 7db615e..29e7915 100644
--- a/board/balloon3/Makefile
+++ b/board/balloon3/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= balloon3.o
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/barco/Makefile b/board/barco/Makefile
index 5aa02d4..befc92a 100644
--- a/board/barco/Makefile
+++ b/board/barco/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS =  $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/bc3450/Makefile b/board/bc3450/Makefile
index 9c1d0cc..53aa651 100644
--- a/board/bc3450/Makefile
+++ b/board/bc3450/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o cmd_bc3450.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bct-brettl2/Makefile b/board/bct-brettl2/Makefile
index cf99d29..b268815 100644
--- a/board/bct-brettl2/Makefile
+++ b/board/bct-brettl2/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o gpio_cfi_flash.o cled.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_BFIN_MAC) += smsc9303.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf518f-ezbrd/Makefile b/board/bf518f-ezbrd/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf518f-ezbrd/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf518f-ezbrd/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf526-ezbrd/Makefile b/board/bf526-ezbrd/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf526-ezbrd/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf526-ezbrd/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf527-ad7160-eval/Makefile b/board/bf527-ad7160-eval/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf527-ad7160-eval/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf527-ad7160-eval/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf527-ezkit/Makefile b/board/bf527-ezkit/Makefile
index 1a2f4b1..98a8121 100644
--- a/board/bf527-ezkit/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf527-ezkit/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_VIDEO)      += video.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf527-sdp/Makefile b/board/bf527-sdp/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf527-sdp/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf527-sdp/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf533-ezkit/Makefile b/board/bf533-ezkit/Makefile
index 487b737..dfc1724 100644
--- a/board/bf533-ezkit/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf533-ezkit/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf533-stamp/Makefile b/board/bf533-stamp/Makefile
index 832037b..ce3ff42 100644
--- a/board/bf533-stamp/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf533-stamp/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_STAMP_CF) += ide-cf.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf537-minotaur/Makefile b/board/bf537-minotaur/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf537-minotaur/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf537-minotaur/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf537-pnav/Makefile b/board/bf537-pnav/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf537-pnav/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf537-pnav/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf537-srv1/Makefile b/board/bf537-srv1/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf537-srv1/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf537-srv1/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf537-stamp/Makefile b/board/bf537-stamp/Makefile
index 47bf905..2b9328b 100644
--- a/board/bf537-stamp/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf537-stamp/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_BFIN_IDE)   += ide-cf.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf538f-ezkit/Makefile b/board/bf538f-ezkit/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/bf538f-ezkit/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf538f-ezkit/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf548-ezkit/Makefile b/board/bf548-ezkit/Makefile
index 1a2f4b1..98a8121 100644
--- a/board/bf548-ezkit/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf548-ezkit/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_VIDEO)      += video.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf561-acvilon/Makefile b/board/bf561-acvilon/Makefile
index cc039a0..9259d6e 100644
--- a/board/bf561-acvilon/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf561-acvilon/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bf561-ezkit/Makefile b/board/bf561-ezkit/Makefile
index bfeaf79..0d17676 100644
--- a/board/bf561-ezkit/Makefile
+++ b/board/bf561-ezkit/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/blackstamp/Makefile b/board/blackstamp/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/blackstamp/Makefile
+++ b/board/blackstamp/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/blackvme/Makefile b/board/blackvme/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/blackvme/Makefile
+++ b/board/blackvme/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/bmw/Makefile b/board/bmw/Makefile
index ac85cc3..4f88efa 100644
--- a/board/bmw/Makefile
+++ b/board/bmw/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ns16550.o serial.o m48t59y.o
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/c2mon/Makefile b/board/c2mon/Makefile
index 2b10b0c..b49f26d 100644
--- a/board/c2mon/Makefile
+++ b/board/c2mon/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/calao/sbc35_a9g20/Makefile b/board/calao/sbc35_a9g20/Makefile
index 8b4a911..cc4219d 100644
--- a/board/calao/sbc35_a9g20/Makefile
+++ b/board/calao/sbc35_a9g20/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= sbc35_a9g20.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATMEL_SPI)	+= spi.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/calao/tny_a9260/Makefile b/board/calao/tny_a9260/Makefile
index 21f5ed1..151a228 100644
--- a/board/calao/tny_a9260/Makefile
+++ b/board/calao/tny_a9260/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= tny_a9260.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATMEL_SPI)	+= spi.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/canmb/Makefile b/board/canmb/Makefile
index b6b67d8..0e2ec4b 100644
--- a/board/canmb/Makefile
+++ b/board/canmb/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 #$(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 #endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 #../common/flash.o ../common/vpd.o ../common/am79c874.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cerf250/Makefile b/board/cerf250/Makefile
index b111b51..d824ffa 100644
--- a/board/cerf250/Makefile
+++ b/board/cerf250/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cerf250.o flash.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm-bf527/Makefile b/board/cm-bf527/Makefile
index bad018a..4d7bf14 100644
--- a/board/cm-bf527/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm-bf527/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o gpio_cfi_flash.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm-bf533/Makefile b/board/cm-bf533/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/cm-bf533/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm-bf533/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm-bf537e/Makefile b/board/cm-bf537e/Makefile
index bad018a..4d7bf14 100644
--- a/board/cm-bf537e/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm-bf537e/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o gpio_cfi_flash.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm-bf537u/Makefile b/board/cm-bf537u/Makefile
index bad018a..4d7bf14 100644
--- a/board/cm-bf537u/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm-bf537u/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o gpio_cfi_flash.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm-bf548/Makefile b/board/cm-bf548/Makefile
index 1a2f4b1..98a8121 100644
--- a/board/cm-bf548/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm-bf548/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_VIDEO)      += video.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm-bf561/Makefile b/board/cm-bf561/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/cm-bf561/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm-bf561/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm4008/Makefile b/board/cm4008/Makefile
index cd3f962..e9bae19 100644
--- a/board/cm4008/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm4008/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cm4008.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm41xx/Makefile b/board/cm41xx/Makefile
index 952a8ae..e608fe8 100644
--- a/board/cm41xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm41xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cm41xx.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cm5200/Makefile b/board/cm5200/Makefile
index d76e13a..ac431a7 100644
--- a/board/cm5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/cm5200/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o cmd_cm5200.o fwupdate.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cmc_pu2/Makefile b/board/cmc_pu2/Makefile
index 9745ebd..a60f2e9 100644
--- a/board/cmc_pu2/Makefile
+++ b/board/cmc_pu2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cmc_pu2.o flash.o load_sernum_ethaddr.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cmi/Makefile b/board/cmi/Makefile
index aeebb9e..c554ce2 100644
--- a/board/cmi/Makefile
+++ b/board/cmi/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= flash.o cmi.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cobra5272/Makefile b/board/cobra5272/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/cobra5272/Makefile
+++ b/board/cobra5272/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/cogent/Makefile b/board/cogent/Makefile
index afa1345..334f03f 100644
--- a/board/cogent/Makefile
+++ b/board/cogent/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mb.o flash.o dipsw.o lcd.o serial.o # pci.o rtc.o par.o kbm.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/colibri_pxa270/Makefile b/board/colibri_pxa270/Makefile
index f8b44ab..40b3a3d 100644
--- a/board/colibri_pxa270/Makefile
+++ b/board/colibri_pxa270/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= colibri_pxa270.o
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cpc45/Makefile b/board/cpc45/Makefile
index 374fdd7..5c6b78f 100644
--- a/board/cpc45/Makefile
+++ b/board/cpc45/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o plx9030.o pd67290.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/cpu86/Makefile b/board/cpu86/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/cpu86/Makefile
+++ b/board/cpu86/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/cpu87/Makefile b/board/cpu87/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/cpu87/Makefile
+++ b/board/cpu87/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/cradle/Makefile b/board/cradle/Makefile
index 720593c..18040c7 100644
--- a/board/cradle/Makefile
+++ b/board/cradle/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cradle.o flash.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cray/L1/Makefile b/board/cray/L1/Makefile
index 21b513c..d1a7a0b 100644
--- a/board/cray/L1/Makefile
+++ b/board/cray/L1/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 # HACK: depend needs bootscript.c, which needs tools/mkimage, which is not
 # built in the depend stage.  So... put bootscript.o here, not in OBJS
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS) $(obj)bootscript.o
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS) $(obj)bootscript.c \
diff --git a/board/csb226/Makefile b/board/csb226/Makefile
index 5e1332b..b10c447 100644
--- a/board/csb226/Makefile
+++ b/board/csb226/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= csb226.o flash.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/csb272/Makefile b/board/csb272/Makefile
index 6d42bff..cfc8839 100644
--- a/board/csb272/Makefile
+++ b/board/csb272/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 #COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 #COBJS	= $(BOARD).o strataflash.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/csb472/Makefile b/board/csb472/Makefile
index 6d42bff..cfc8839 100644
--- a/board/csb472/Makefile
+++ b/board/csb472/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 #COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 #COBJS	= $(BOARD).o strataflash.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/csb637/Makefile b/board/csb637/Makefile
index ab28434..a5484ae 100644
--- a/board/csb637/Makefile
+++ b/board/csb637/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= csb637.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/cu824/Makefile b/board/cu824/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/cu824/Makefile
+++ b/board/cu824/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/dave/B2/Makefile b/board/dave/B2/Makefile
index e70d2c8..b981579 100644
--- a/board/dave/B2/Makefile
+++ b/board/dave/B2/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= B2.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/dave/PPChameleonEVB/Makefile b/board/dave/PPChameleonEVB/Makefile
index 1869f8c..5028510 100644
--- a/board/dave/PPChameleonEVB/Makefile
+++ b/board/dave/PPChameleonEVB/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o nand.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davedenx/aria/Makefile b/board/davedenx/aria/Makefile
index 2e3d73a..30dba23 100644
--- a/board/davedenx/aria/Makefile
+++ b/board/davedenx/aria/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davedenx/qong/Makefile b/board/davedenx/qong/Makefile
index ada6e03..1dca60d 100644
--- a/board/davedenx/qong/Makefile
+++ b/board/davedenx/qong/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= qong.o fpga.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/common/Makefile b/board/davinci/common/Makefile
index 8d9ea00..5ddb564 100644
--- a/board/davinci/common/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/common/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)board/$(VENDOR)/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).o
 
 COBJS	:= misc.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/da8xxevm/Makefile b/board/davinci/da8xxevm/Makefile
index 17cbe86..88fee50 100644
--- a/board/davinci/da8xxevm/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/da8xxevm/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= common.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MACH_DAVINCI_DA830_EVM)	+= da830evm.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/dm355evm/Makefile b/board/davinci/dm355evm/Makefile
index 26b0705..4804597 100644
--- a/board/davinci/dm355evm/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/dm355evm/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/dm355leopard/Makefile b/board/davinci/dm355leopard/Makefile
index 26b0705..4804597 100644
--- a/board/davinci/dm355leopard/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/dm355leopard/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/dm365evm/Makefile b/board/davinci/dm365evm/Makefile
index 26b0705..4804597 100644
--- a/board/davinci/dm365evm/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/dm365evm/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/dm6467evm/Makefile b/board/davinci/dm6467evm/Makefile
index 26b0705..4804597 100644
--- a/board/davinci/dm6467evm/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/dm6467evm/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/dvevm/Makefile b/board/davinci/dvevm/Makefile
index fb31ee4..72fd963 100644
--- a/board/davinci/dvevm/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/dvevm/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:= board_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/schmoogie/Makefile b/board/davinci/schmoogie/Makefile
index fb31ee4..72fd963 100644
--- a/board/davinci/schmoogie/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/schmoogie/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:= board_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/sffsdr/Makefile b/board/davinci/sffsdr/Makefile
index fb31ee4..72fd963 100644
--- a/board/davinci/sffsdr/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/sffsdr/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:= board_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/davinci/sonata/Makefile b/board/davinci/sonata/Makefile
index fb31ee4..72fd963 100644
--- a/board/davinci/sonata/Makefile
+++ b/board/davinci/sonata/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	:= board_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/dbau1x00/Makefile b/board/dbau1x00/Makefile
index afe02c2..f1594a2 100644
--- a/board/dbau1x00/Makefile
+++ b/board/dbau1x00/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/digsy_mtc/Makefile b/board/digsy_mtc/Makefile
index 0bededc..a40076c 100644
--- a/board/digsy_mtc/Makefile
+++ b/board/digsy_mtc/Makefile
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o cmd_mtc.o
 
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/dnp1110/Makefile b/board/dnp1110/Makefile
index c56e9d1..8a86c0f 100644
--- a/board/dnp1110/Makefile
+++ b/board/dnp1110/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= dnp1110.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eNET/Makefile b/board/eNET/Makefile
index 588d21d..4980787 100644
--- a/board/eNET/Makefile
+++ b/board/eNET/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= eNET.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += eNET_pci.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y) $(COBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eXalion/Makefile b/board/eXalion/Makefile
index 98601a3..fa87413 100644
--- a/board/eXalion/Makefile
+++ b/board/eXalion/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/earthlcd/favr-32-ezkit/Makefile b/board/earthlcd/favr-32-ezkit/Makefile
index 3e67a65..00eb0f4 100644
--- a/board/earthlcd/favr-32-ezkit/Makefile
+++ b/board/earthlcd/favr-32-ezkit/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/edb93xx/Makefile b/board/edb93xx/Makefile
index e2e2636..dcaed06 100644
--- a/board/edb93xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/edb93xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= edb93xx.o flash_cfg.o pll_cfg.o sdram_cfg.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eltec/bab7xx/Makefile b/board/eltec/bab7xx/Makefile
index 1e76d25..b22160f 100644
--- a/board/eltec/bab7xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/eltec/bab7xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pci.o misc.o el_srom.o dc_srom.o l2cache.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eltec/elppc/Makefile b/board/eltec/elppc/Makefile
index 24cbfee..367239a 100644
--- a/board/eltec/elppc/Makefile
+++ b/board/eltec/elppc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pci.o misc.o mpc107_i2c.o eepro100_srom.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eltec/mhpc/Makefile b/board/eltec/mhpc/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/eltec/mhpc/Makefile
+++ b/board/eltec/mhpc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/emk/top5200/Makefile b/board/emk/top5200/Makefile
index 86b8870..72db38d 100644
--- a/board/emk/top5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/emk/top5200/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o ../common/vpd.o ../common/am79c874.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/emk/top860/Makefile b/board/emk/top860/Makefile
index 88abd76..6b0a4fa 100644
--- a/board/emk/top860/Makefile
+++ b/board/emk/top860/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o ../common/vpd.o ../common/am79c874.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ep7312/Makefile b/board/ep7312/Makefile
index 776a444..f2d8cf5 100644
--- a/board/ep7312/Makefile
+++ b/board/ep7312/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ep7312.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ep8248/Makefile b/board/ep8248/Makefile
index dc40d9b..9079aad 100644
--- a/board/ep8248/Makefile
+++ b/board/ep8248/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ep8260/Makefile b/board/ep8260/Makefile
index b8bf320..68a4803 100644
--- a/board/ep8260/Makefile
+++ b/board/ep8260/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o mii_phy.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ep82xxm/Makefile b/board/ep82xxm/Makefile
index c69c475..74b9a35 100644
--- a/board/ep82xxm/Makefile
+++ b/board/ep82xxm/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ep88x/Makefile b/board/ep88x/Makefile
index 6b3706d..70205f1 100644
--- a/board/ep88x/Makefile
+++ b/board/ep88x/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eric/Makefile b/board/eric/Makefile
index c2a6872..c690e33 100644
--- a/board/eric/Makefile
+++ b/board/eric/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/adciop/Makefile b/board/esd/adciop/Makefile
index 0fadf81..7b3d6dc 100644
--- a/board/esd/adciop/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/adciop/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o ../common/pci.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/apc405/Makefile b/board/esd/apc405/Makefile
index 9114606..df391da 100644
--- a/board/esd/apc405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/apc405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/ar405/Makefile b/board/esd/ar405/Makefile
index ba92b24..bd08253 100644
--- a/board/esd/ar405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/ar405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/ash405/Makefile b/board/esd/ash405/Makefile
index 98acb4b..401622f 100644
--- a/board/esd/ash405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/ash405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/canbt/Makefile b/board/esd/canbt/Makefile
index ba92b24..bd08253 100644
--- a/board/esd/canbt/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/canbt/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/cms700/Makefile b/board/esd/cms700/Makefile
index 1093c52..15a32a0 100644
--- a/board/esd/cms700/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/cms700/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common/xilinx_jtag)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 # Objects for Xilinx JTAG programming (CPLD)
 CPLD    = ../common/xilinx_jtag/lenval.o \
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/cpci2dp/Makefile b/board/esd/cpci2dp/Makefile
index 9a5607f..be65097 100644
--- a/board/esd/cpci2dp/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/cpci2dp/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o ../common/cmd_loadpci.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/cpci405/Makefile b/board/esd/cpci405/Makefile
index 7516c22..c6e1d40 100644
--- a/board/esd/cpci405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/cpci405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o ../common/auto_update.o
 COBJS	+= ../common/cmd_loadpci.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/cpci5200/Makefile b/board/esd/cpci5200/Makefile
index 4a640f6..d41cbcd 100644
--- a/board/esd/cpci5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/cpci5200/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 # $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common/xilinx_jtag)
 # endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 # Objects for Xilinx JTAG programming (CPLD)
 # CPLD  = ../common/xilinx_jtag/lenval.o \
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/cpci750/Makefile b/board/esd/cpci750/Makefile
index 4379cfc..4c9275b 100644
--- a/board/esd/cpci750/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/cpci750/Makefile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../../Marvell/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS	= misc.o
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/esd/cpciiser4/Makefile b/board/esd/cpciiser4/Makefile
index ba92b24..bd08253 100644
--- a/board/esd/cpciiser4/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/cpciiser4/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/dasa_sim/Makefile b/board/esd/dasa_sim/Makefile
index d736af8..f1cadb1 100644
--- a/board/esd/dasa_sim/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/dasa_sim/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o cmd_dasa_sim.o eeprom.o ../common/pci.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/dp405/Makefile b/board/esd/dp405/Makefile
index 86bd446..d4012b0 100644
--- a/board/esd/dp405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/dp405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common/xilinx_jtag)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 # Objects for Xilinx JTAG programming (CPLD)
 CPLD    = ../common/xilinx_jtag/lenval.o \
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/du405/Makefile b/board/esd/du405/Makefile
index ba92b24..bd08253 100644
--- a/board/esd/du405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/du405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/du440/Makefile b/board/esd/du440/Makefile
index 909d007..7b7b4f7 100644
--- a/board/esd/du440/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/du440/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/hh405/Makefile b/board/esd/hh405/Makefile
index c57d90c..090005f 100644
--- a/board/esd/hh405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/hh405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/hub405/Makefile b/board/esd/hub405/Makefile
index 98acb4b..401622f 100644
--- a/board/esd/hub405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/hub405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/mecp5123/Makefile b/board/esd/mecp5123/Makefile
index 2e3d73a..30dba23 100644
--- a/board/esd/mecp5123/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/mecp5123/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/mecp5200/Makefile b/board/esd/mecp5200/Makefile
index 3fbb909..22ee984 100644
--- a/board/esd/mecp5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/mecp5200/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/meesc/Makefile b/board/esd/meesc/Makefile
index 2dd6b25..b414479 100644
--- a/board/esd/meesc/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/meesc/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_DATAFLASH) += partition.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/ocrtc/Makefile b/board/esd/ocrtc/Makefile
index edf3c56..f9274b5 100644
--- a/board/esd/ocrtc/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/ocrtc/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o cmd_ocrtc.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/otc570/Makefile b/board/esd/otc570/Makefile
index 755c5ee..87657ff 100644
--- a/board/esd/otc570/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/otc570/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y				+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_DATAFLASH)	+= partition.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/pci405/Makefile b/board/esd/pci405/Makefile
index 862e88d..d551ec9 100644
--- a/board/esd/pci405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/pci405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ../common/misc.o cmd_pci405.o
 SOBJS	= writeibm.o
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-#	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+#	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/pf5200/Makefile b/board/esd/pf5200/Makefile
index efd24fe..2f42566 100644
--- a/board/esd/pf5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/pf5200/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 # $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common/xilinx_jtag)
 # endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 # Objects for Xilinx JTAG programming (CPLD)
 # CPLD  = ../common/xilinx_jtag/lenval.o \
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/plu405/Makefile b/board/esd/plu405/Makefile
index 98acb4b..401622f 100644
--- a/board/esd/plu405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/plu405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/pmc405/Makefile b/board/esd/pmc405/Makefile
index 12c1ba7..36707f4 100644
--- a/board/esd/pmc405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/pmc405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common/xilinx_jtag)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 # Objects for Xilinx JTAG programming (CPLD)
 CPLD    = ../common/xilinx_jtag/lenval.o \
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/pmc405de/Makefile b/board/esd/pmc405de/Makefile
index f435495..2833844 100644
--- a/board/esd/pmc405de/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/pmc405de/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/pmc440/Makefile b/board/esd/pmc440/Makefile
index 8c09efa..b2f4465 100644
--- a/board/esd/pmc440/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/pmc440/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o cmd_pmc440.o sdram.o fpga.o \
 	../common/cmd_loadpci.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/tasreg/Makefile b/board/esd/tasreg/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/esd/tasreg/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/tasreg/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/esd/vme8349/Makefile b/board/esd/vme8349/Makefile
index 9f937c8..5b926b2 100644
--- a/board/esd/vme8349/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/vme8349/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o caddy.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/voh405/Makefile b/board/esd/voh405/Makefile
index 98acb4b..401622f 100644
--- a/board/esd/voh405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/voh405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/vom405/Makefile b/board/esd/vom405/Makefile
index 86bd446..d4012b0 100644
--- a/board/esd/vom405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/vom405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common/xilinx_jtag)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 # Objects for Xilinx JTAG programming (CPLD)
 CPLD    = ../common/xilinx_jtag/lenval.o \
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esd/wuh405/Makefile b/board/esd/wuh405/Makefile
index 98acb4b..401622f 100644
--- a/board/esd/wuh405/Makefile
+++ b/board/esd/wuh405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o \
 	../common/misc.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/espt/Makefile b/board/espt/Makefile
index c79cba8..4ecef4a 100644
--- a/board/espt/Makefile
+++ b/board/espt/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= espt.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/esteem192e/Makefile b/board/esteem192e/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/esteem192e/Makefile
+++ b/board/esteem192e/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/etin/debris/Makefile b/board/etin/debris/Makefile
index fdf7736..99a9c9d 100644
--- a/board/etin/debris/Makefile
+++ b/board/etin/debris/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS =  $(BOARD).o flash.o phantom.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/etin/kvme080/Makefile b/board/etin/kvme080/Makefile
index 18b7350..644b4e3 100644
--- a/board/etin/kvme080/Makefile
+++ b/board/etin/kvme080/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o multiverse.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/etx094/Makefile b/board/etx094/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/etx094/Makefile
+++ b/board/etx094/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/eukrea/cpu9260/Makefile b/board/eukrea/cpu9260/Makefile
index e98b541..4d02aae 100644
--- a/board/eukrea/cpu9260/Makefile
+++ b/board/eukrea/cpu9260/Makefile
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/eukrea/cpuat91/Makefile b/board/eukrea/cpuat91/Makefile
index c31b7a1..15da3d8 100644
--- a/board/eukrea/cpuat91/Makefile
+++ b/board/eukrea/cpuat91/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= cpuat91.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/evb4510/Makefile b/board/evb4510/Makefile
index 3ab1aa0..102eade 100644
--- a/board/evb4510/Makefile
+++ b/board/evb4510/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= evb4510.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/evb64260/Makefile b/board/evb64260/Makefile
index aa39baf..d72465e 100644
--- a/board/evb64260/Makefile
+++ b/board/evb64260/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS	= misc.o
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o serial.o memory.o pci.o \
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/fads/Makefile b/board/fads/Makefile
index 667c6af..cf79029 100644
--- a/board/fads/Makefile
+++ b/board/fads/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o lamp.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/faraday/a320evb/Makefile b/board/faraday/a320evb/Makefile
index 74f660d..fb540b4 100644
--- a/board/faraday/a320evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/faraday/a320evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= a320evb.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/flagadm/Makefile b/board/flagadm/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/flagadm/Makefile
+++ b/board/flagadm/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/common/Makefile b/board/freescale/common/Makefile
index dca3ac0..703a347 100644
--- a/board/freescale/common/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/common/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)board/$(VENDOR)/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_CADMUS)	+= cadmus.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_VIA)		+= cds_via.o
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/corenet_ds/Makefile b/board/freescale/corenet_ds/Makefile
index 7a56fa2..1047d78 100644
--- a/board/freescale/corenet_ds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/corenet_ds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5208evbe/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5208evbe/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5208evbe/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5208evbe/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5208evbe/u-boot.lds b/board/freescale/m5208evbe/u-boot.lds
index 507e21a..8602869 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5208evbe/u-boot.lds
+++ b/board/freescale/m5208evbe/u-boot.lds
@@ -56,8 +56,8 @@
     /* the sector layout of our flash chips!	XXX FIXME XXX	*/
 
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/start.o		(.text)
-    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/libmcf52x2.a	(.text)
-    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.a		(.text)
+    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf52x2/libmcf52x2.o	(.text)
+    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.o		(.text)
     common/dlmalloc.o		(.text)
 
     . = DEFINED(env_offset) ? env_offset : .;
diff --git a/board/freescale/m52277evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m52277evb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m52277evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m52277evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m52277evb/u-boot.spa b/board/freescale/m52277evb/u-boot.spa
index 4591196..9458aef 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m52277evb/u-boot.spa
+++ b/board/freescale/m52277evb/u-boot.spa
@@ -56,9 +56,9 @@
     /* the sector layout of our flash chips!	XXX FIXME XXX	*/
 
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/start.o	(.text)
-    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/libmcf5227x.a	(.text)
-    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.a		(.text)
-    lib/libgeneric.a	(.text)
+    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5227x/libmcf5227x.o	(.text)
+    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.o		(.text)
+    lib/libgeneric.o	(.text)
     common/cmd_mem.o		(.text)
     common/main.o		(.text)
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5235evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5235evb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5235evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5235evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5235evb/u-boot.32 b/board/freescale/m5235evb/u-boot.32
index 45ff158..47ec6dc 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5235evb/u-boot.32
+++ b/board/freescale/m5235evb/u-boot.32
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/cpu_init.o	(.text)
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/interrupts.o	(.text)
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf523x/speed.o		(.text)
-    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.a		(.text)
+    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.o		(.text)
     common/dlmalloc.o		(.text)
     common/cmd_bootm.o		(.text)
     common/cmd_flash.o		(.text)
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@
     common/cmd_mem.o		(.text)
     common/console.o		(.text)
     common/main.o		(.text)
-    lib/libgeneric.a	(.text)
+    lib/libgeneric.o	(.text)
 
     . = DEFINED(env_offset) ? env_offset : .;
     common/env_embedded.o	(.text)
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5249evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5249evb/Makefile
index 424ab1c..ac860c1 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5249evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5249evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5253demo/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5253demo/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5253demo/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5253demo/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5253evbe/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5253evbe/Makefile
index 424ab1c..ac860c1 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5253evbe/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5253evbe/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5271evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5271evb/Makefile
index 424ab1c..ac860c1 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5271evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5271evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5271evb/u-boot.lds b/board/freescale/m5271evb/u-boot.lds
index ca41232..9878ec1 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5271evb/u-boot.lds
+++ b/board/freescale/m5271evb/u-boot.lds
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 OUTPUT_ARCH(m68k)
 /* Do we need any of these for elf?
    __DYNAMIC = 0;    */
-GROUP(libgcc.a)
+GROUP(libgcc.o)
 SECTIONS
 {
   /* Read-only sections, merged into text segment: */
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5272c3/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5272c3/Makefile
index 424ab1c..ac860c1 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5272c3/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5272c3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5275evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5275evb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5275evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5275evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5282evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5282evb/Makefile
index 424ab1c..ac860c1 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5282evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5282evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m53017evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m53017evb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m53017evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m53017evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m53017evb/u-boot.lds b/board/freescale/m53017evb/u-boot.lds
index 6577299..2e002ad 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m53017evb/u-boot.lds
+++ b/board/freescale/m53017evb/u-boot.lds
@@ -56,8 +56,8 @@
     /* the sector layout of our flash chips!	XXX FIXME XXX	*/
 
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/start.o		(.text)
-    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/libmcf532x.a	(.text)
-    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.a		(.text)
+    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf532x/libmcf532x.o	(.text)
+    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.o		(.text)
     common/dlmalloc.o		(.text)
     lib/zlib.o		(.text)
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5329evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5329evb/Makefile
index 07b693c..f8699fc 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5329evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5329evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o nand.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m5373evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m5373evb/Makefile
index 07b693c..f8699fc 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m5373evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m5373evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o nand.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m54451evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m54451evb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m54451evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m54451evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m54451evb/u-boot.spa b/board/freescale/m54451evb/u-boot.spa
index 09ac481..bd86a45 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m54451evb/u-boot.spa
+++ b/board/freescale/m54451evb/u-boot.spa
@@ -56,13 +56,13 @@
     /* the sector layout of our flash chips!	XXX FIXME XXX	*/
 
     arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/start.o		(.text)
-    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/libmcf5445x.a	(.text)
-    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.a		(.text)
+    arch/m68k/cpu/mcf5445x/libmcf5445x.o	(.text)
+    arch/m68k/lib/libm68k.o		(.text)
     common/cmd_flash.o		(.text)
     common/dlmalloc.o		(.text)
     common/main.o		(.text)
     common/image.o		(.text)
-    lib/libgeneric.a	(.text)
+    lib/libgeneric.o	(.text)
 
     . = DEFINED(env_offset) ? env_offset : .;
     common/env_embedded.o	(.text)
diff --git a/board/freescale/m54455evb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m54455evb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m54455evb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m54455evb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m547xevb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m547xevb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m547xevb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m547xevb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/m548xevb/Makefile b/board/freescale/m548xevb/Makefile
index 981763d..c454d76 100644
--- a/board/freescale/m548xevb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/m548xevb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc5121ads/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc5121ads/Makefile
index 20fbf6e..cded9eb 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc5121ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc5121ads/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 $(shell mkdir -p $(OBJTREE)/board/freescale/common)
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc7448hpc2/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc7448hpc2/Makefile
index 995afbc..5df9d5d 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc7448hpc2/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc7448hpc2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o tsi108_init.o
 SOBJS	:= asm_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8260ads/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8260ads/Makefile
index e1d4af0..74f5b85 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8260ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8260ads/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8266ads/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8266ads/Makefile
index 4ffb83f..f4938c4 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8266ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8266ads/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8308rdb/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8308rdb/Makefile
index e9bfa2b..241a557 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8308rdb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8308rdb/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8313erdb/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8313erdb/Makefile
index 7c34c5e..f18aded 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8313erdb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8313erdb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8315erdb/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8315erdb/Makefile
index 7c34c5e..f18aded 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8315erdb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8315erdb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8323erdb/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8323erdb/Makefile
index c95f90e..4a1b249 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8323erdb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8323erdb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc832xemds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc832xemds/Makefile
index c34905c..4f76eab 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc832xemds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc832xemds/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8349emds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8349emds/Makefile
index c34905c..4f76eab 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8349emds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8349emds/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8349itx/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8349itx/Makefile
index 527420b..f431316 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8349itx/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8349itx/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8360emds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8360emds/Makefile
index c34905c..4f76eab 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8360emds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8360emds/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8360erdk/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8360erdk/Makefile
index d173504..107bdc3 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8360erdk/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8360erdk/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_NAND) += nand.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc837xemds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc837xemds/Makefile
index c34905c..4f76eab 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc837xemds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc837xemds/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc837xerdb/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc837xerdb/Makefile
index c34905c..4f76eab 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc837xerdb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc837xerdb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8536ds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8536ds/Makefile
index 7fcbdaa..2ee7b43 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8536ds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8536ds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8540ads/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8540ads/Makefile
index 4c6da4d..b94237e 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8540ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8540ads/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8541cds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8541cds/Makefile
index c19a527..b50d7fd 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8541cds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8541cds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8544ds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8544ds/Makefile
index 3997994..8684f5c 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8544ds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8544ds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8548cds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8548cds/Makefile
index c19a527..b50d7fd 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8548cds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8548cds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8555cds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8555cds/Makefile
index c19a527..b50d7fd 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8555cds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8555cds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8560ads/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8560ads/Makefile
index 67dbdeb..9fce3be 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8560ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8560ads/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8568mds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8568mds/Makefile
index d499fb3..eda359f 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8568mds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8568mds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= bcsr.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8569mds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8569mds/Makefile
index 23805ea..1d49757 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8569mds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8569mds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= bcsr.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8572ds/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8572ds/Makefile
index 3e82bbf..5b9fa10 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8572ds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8572ds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8610hpcd/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8610hpcd/Makefile
index 847edaf..e91c2c5 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8610hpcd/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8610hpcd/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_DDR2) += ddr.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mpc8641hpcn/Makefile b/board/freescale/mpc8641hpcn/Makefile
index c78b0a8..433c132 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mpc8641hpcn/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mpc8641hpcn/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mx31ads/Makefile b/board/freescale/mx31ads/Makefile
index a12f391..be4d61a 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mx31ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mx31ads/Makefile
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mx31ads.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mx31ads/u-boot.lds b/board/freescale/mx31ads/u-boot.lds
index 2731294..ecd9707 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mx31ads/u-boot.lds
+++ b/board/freescale/mx31ads/u-boot.lds
@@ -38,10 +38,10 @@
 	  /* the sector layout of our flash chips!	XXX FIXME XXX	*/
 
 	  arch/arm/cpu/arm1136/start.o			(.text)
-	  board/freescale/mx31ads/libmx31ads.a	(.text)
-	  arch/arm/lib/libarm.a			(.text)
-	  net/libnet.a				(.text)
-	  drivers/mtd/libmtd.a			(.text)
+	  board/freescale/mx31ads/libmx31ads.o	(.text)
+	  arch/arm/lib/libarm.o			(.text)
+	  net/libnet.o				(.text)
+	  drivers/mtd/libmtd.o			(.text)
 
 	  . = DEFINED(env_offset) ? env_offset : .;
 	  common/env_embedded.o(.text)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mx31pdk/Makefile b/board/freescale/mx31pdk/Makefile
index d5d8f04..0287885 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mx31pdk/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mx31pdk/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mx31pdk.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/mx51evk/Makefile b/board/freescale/mx51evk/Makefile
index eb12fc5..3344c28 100644
--- a/board/freescale/mx51evk/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/mx51evk/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mx51evk.o
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/p1022ds/Makefile b/board/freescale/p1022ds/Makefile
index 678eb2a..30d1740 100644
--- a/board/freescale/p1022ds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/p1022ds/Makefile
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/p1_p2_rdb/Makefile b/board/freescale/p1_p2_rdb/Makefile
index ad1b769..ba7e5df 100644
--- a/board/freescale/p1_p2_rdb/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/p1_p2_rdb/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/freescale/p2020ds/Makefile b/board/freescale/p2020ds/Makefile
index 41032ac..3306e448 100644
--- a/board/freescale/p2020ds/Makefile
+++ b/board/freescale/p2020ds/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/funkwerk/vovpn-gw/Makefile b/board/funkwerk/vovpn-gw/Makefile
index 493422d..91d4d35 100644
--- a/board/funkwerk/vovpn-gw/Makefile
+++ b/board/funkwerk/vovpn-gw/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o m88e6060.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/g2000/Makefile b/board/g2000/Makefile
index 1c60447..0f53340 100644
--- a/board/g2000/Makefile
+++ b/board/g2000/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o strataflash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gaisler/gr_cpci_ax2000/Makefile b/board/gaisler/gr_cpci_ax2000/Makefile
index 4a5d73b..66d5a38 100644
--- a/board/gaisler/gr_cpci_ax2000/Makefile
+++ b/board/gaisler/gr_cpci_ax2000/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gaisler/gr_ep2s60/Makefile b/board/gaisler/gr_ep2s60/Makefile
index 4a5d73b..66d5a38 100644
--- a/board/gaisler/gr_ep2s60/Makefile
+++ b/board/gaisler/gr_ep2s60/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gaisler/gr_xc3s_1500/Makefile b/board/gaisler/gr_xc3s_1500/Makefile
index 4a5d73b..66d5a38 100644
--- a/board/gaisler/gr_xc3s_1500/Makefile
+++ b/board/gaisler/gr_xc3s_1500/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gaisler/grsim/Makefile b/board/gaisler/grsim/Makefile
index 56123dc..a567c76 100644
--- a/board/gaisler/grsim/Makefile
+++ b/board/gaisler/grsim/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gaisler/grsim_leon2/Makefile b/board/gaisler/grsim_leon2/Makefile
index 56123dc..a567c76 100644
--- a/board/gaisler/grsim_leon2/Makefile
+++ b/board/gaisler/grsim_leon2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/galaxy5200/Makefile b/board/galaxy5200/Makefile
index 22ce8e6..f5d88bb 100644
--- a/board/galaxy5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/galaxy5200/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gcplus/Makefile b/board/gcplus/Makefile
index 7bc636b..e62aa1b 100644
--- a/board/gcplus/Makefile
+++ b/board/gcplus/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= gcplus.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gdsys/405ep/Makefile b/board/gdsys/405ep/Makefile
index 13dff52..ed31207 100644
--- a/board/gdsys/405ep/Makefile
+++ b/board/gdsys/405ep/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_IO) += io.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_IOCON) += iocon.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gdsys/common/Makefile b/board/gdsys/common/Makefile
index 93cde5a..2257037 100644
--- a/board/gdsys/common/Makefile
+++ b/board/gdsys/common/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)board/$(VENDOR)/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_IO) += miiphybb.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_IOCON) += osd.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gdsys/dlvision/Makefile b/board/gdsys/dlvision/Makefile
index 1270fea..1c3dadb 100644
--- a/board/gdsys/dlvision/Makefile
+++ b/board/gdsys/dlvision/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS   =
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gdsys/gdppc440etx/Makefile b/board/gdsys/gdppc440etx/Makefile
index b93f2c3..5b0ffc2 100644
--- a/board/gdsys/gdppc440etx/Makefile
+++ b/board/gdsys/gdppc440etx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gdsys/intip/Makefile b/board/gdsys/intip/Makefile
index 12f8a64..c8ecaf9 100644
--- a/board/gdsys/intip/Makefile
+++ b/board/gdsys/intip/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gdsys/neo/Makefile b/board/gdsys/neo/Makefile
index 1270fea..1c3dadb 100644
--- a/board/gdsys/neo/Makefile
+++ b/board/gdsys/neo/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS   =
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/gen860t/Makefile b/board/gen860t/Makefile
index fd34cb0..5853626 100644
--- a/board/gen860t/Makefile
+++ b/board/gen860t/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o beeper.o fpga.o ioport.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/genietv/Makefile b/board/genietv/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/genietv/Makefile
+++ b/board/genietv/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/gth2/Makefile b/board/gth2/Makefile
index 097ffec..77965fb 100644
--- a/board/gth2/Makefile
+++ b/board/gth2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o ee_access.o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/gw8260/Makefile b/board/gw8260/Makefile
index cb3c566..82a8068 100644
--- a/board/gw8260/Makefile
+++ b/board/gw8260/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= gw8260.o flash.o
 SOBJS   :=
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/hermes/Makefile b/board/hermes/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/hermes/Makefile
+++ b/board/hermes/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/hidden_dragon/Makefile b/board/hidden_dragon/Makefile
index 5aa02d4..befc92a 100644
--- a/board/hidden_dragon/Makefile
+++ b/board/hidden_dragon/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS =  $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/hymod/Makefile b/board/hymod/Makefile
index 1fb7e79..6b56f33 100644
--- a/board/hymod/Makefile
+++ b/board/hymod/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o bsp.o eeprom.o fetch.o input.o env.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ibf-dsp561/Makefile b/board/ibf-dsp561/Makefile
index bfeaf79..0d17676 100644
--- a/board/ibf-dsp561/Makefile
+++ b/board/ibf-dsp561/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/icecube/Makefile b/board/icecube/Makefile
index c94e24f..d45db9f 100644
--- a/board/icecube/Makefile
+++ b/board/icecube/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/icu862/Makefile b/board/icu862/Makefile
index 2b10b0c..b49f26d 100644
--- a/board/icu862/Makefile
+++ b/board/icu862/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/idmr/Makefile b/board/idmr/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/idmr/Makefile
+++ b/board/idmr/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/idmr/u-boot.lds b/board/idmr/u-boot.lds
index ca41232..9878ec1 100644
--- a/board/idmr/u-boot.lds
+++ b/board/idmr/u-boot.lds
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 OUTPUT_ARCH(m68k)
 /* Do we need any of these for elf?
    __DYNAMIC = 0;    */
-GROUP(libgcc.a)
+GROUP(libgcc.o)
 SECTIONS
 {
   /* Read-only sections, merged into text segment: */
diff --git a/board/ids8247/Makefile b/board/ids8247/Makefile
index 4c9634c..032e0a7 100644
--- a/board/ids8247/Makefile
+++ b/board/ids8247/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/impa7/Makefile b/board/impa7/Makefile
index 4cb13b7..79b12a2 100644
--- a/board/impa7/Makefile
+++ b/board/impa7/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= impa7.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/imx31_phycore/Makefile b/board/imx31_phycore/Makefile
index 5ed2b4b..4fd4864 100644
--- a/board/imx31_phycore/Makefile
+++ b/board/imx31_phycore/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= imx31_phycore.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/incaip/Makefile b/board/incaip/Makefile
index afe02c2..f1594a2 100644
--- a/board/incaip/Makefile
+++ b/board/incaip/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/inka4x0/Makefile b/board/inka4x0/Makefile
index 82aa950..6ec04b8 100644
--- a/board/inka4x0/Makefile
+++ b/board/inka4x0/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o inkadiag.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/innokom/Makefile b/board/innokom/Makefile
index ba248c0..054175f 100644
--- a/board/innokom/Makefile
+++ b/board/innokom/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= innokom.o flash.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ip04/Makefile b/board/ip04/Makefile
index e7ce304..06b8217 100644
--- a/board/ip04/Makefile
+++ b/board/ip04/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ip860/Makefile b/board/ip860/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/ip860/Makefile
+++ b/board/ip860/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ipek01/Makefile b/board/ipek01/Makefile
index ddfd2ef..16f0c6b 100644
--- a/board/ipek01/Makefile
+++ b/board/ipek01/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/iphase4539/Makefile b/board/iphase4539/Makefile
index 877afde..89d3524 100644
--- a/board/iphase4539/Makefile
+++ b/board/iphase4539/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/isee/igep0020/Makefile b/board/isee/igep0020/Makefile
index 2f11879..678a682 100644
--- a/board/isee/igep0020/Makefile
+++ b/board/isee/igep0020/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= igep0020.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/isee/igep0030/Makefile b/board/isee/igep0030/Makefile
index cfc0411..d208872 100644
--- a/board/isee/igep0030/Makefile
+++ b/board/isee/igep0030/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= igep0030.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ispan/Makefile b/board/ispan/Makefile
index 6b3706d..70205f1 100644
--- a/board/ispan/Makefile
+++ b/board/ispan/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ivm/Makefile b/board/ivm/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/ivm/Makefile
+++ b/board/ivm/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ixdp425/Makefile b/board/ixdp425/Makefile
index efeb31d..4ba0383 100644
--- a/board/ixdp425/Makefile
+++ b/board/ixdp425/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ixdp425.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/jornada/Makefile b/board/jornada/Makefile
index 1b4e192..e017692 100644
--- a/board/jornada/Makefile
+++ b/board/jornada/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= jornada.o
 SOBJS	:= setup.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/jse/Makefile b/board/jse/Makefile
index fc71601..a3050c7 100644
--- a/board/jse/Makefile
+++ b/board/jse/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o sdram.o flash.o host_bridge.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/jupiter/Makefile b/board/jupiter/Makefile
index aa80a71..6a6ad8d 100644
--- a/board/jupiter/Makefile
+++ b/board/jupiter/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/karo/tx25/Makefile b/board/karo/tx25/Makefile
index 88c37c1..8350788 100644
--- a/board/karo/tx25/Makefile
+++ b/board/karo/tx25/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= tx25.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/kb9202/Makefile b/board/kb9202/Makefile
index 363f665..49be161 100644
--- a/board/kb9202/Makefile
+++ b/board/kb9202/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= kb9202.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/keymile/km8xx/Makefile b/board/keymile/km8xx/Makefile
index a6f3241..abb9ef9 100644
--- a/board/keymile/km8xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/keymile/km8xx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/common.o ../common/keymile_hdlc_enet.o \
 		km8xx_hdlc_enet.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/keymile/km_arm/Makefile b/board/keymile/km_arm/Makefile
index c5b0be1..6bcfb25 100644
--- a/board/keymile/km_arm/Makefile
+++ b/board/keymile/km_arm/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o ../common/common.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/keymile/kmeter1/Makefile b/board/keymile/kmeter1/Makefile
index 12a1518..2fa84f3 100644
--- a/board/keymile/kmeter1/Makefile
+++ b/board/keymile/kmeter1/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	+= $(BOARD).o ../common/common.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/keymile/mgcoge/Makefile b/board/keymile/mgcoge/Makefile
index 2774a70..3308621 100644
--- a/board/keymile/mgcoge/Makefile
+++ b/board/keymile/mgcoge/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o ../common/common.o ../common/keymile_hdlc_enet.o \
 		mgcoge_hdlc_enet.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/korat/Makefile b/board/korat/Makefile
index df74774..83b4d61 100644
--- a/board/korat/Makefile
+++ b/board/korat/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/kup/Makefile b/board/kup/Makefile
index 957b3d3..5caae89 100644
--- a/board/kup/Makefile
+++ b/board/kup/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o kup.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/kup/kup4k/Makefile b/board/kup/kup4k/Makefile
index 4727a5b..e519b83 100644
--- a/board/kup/kup4k/Makefile
+++ b/board/kup/kup4k/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o ../common/kup.o ../common/load_sernum_ethaddr.o ../common/pcmcia.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/kup/kup4x/Makefile b/board/kup/kup4x/Makefile
index 4727a5b..e519b83 100644
--- a/board/kup/kup4x/Makefile
+++ b/board/kup/kup4x/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o ../common/kup.o ../common/load_sernum_ethaddr.o ../common/pcmcia.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/lantec/Makefile b/board/lantec/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/lantec/Makefile
+++ b/board/lantec/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/lart/Makefile b/board/lart/Makefile
index 9eeaa99..463bc0b 100644
--- a/board/lart/Makefile
+++ b/board/lart/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= lart.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= flashasm.o lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/linkstation/Makefile b/board/linkstation/Makefile
index 8f4da0c..55674b7 100644
--- a/board/linkstation/Makefile
+++ b/board/linkstation/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 OBJS	= $(BOARD).o ide.o hwctl.o avr.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(OBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/logicpd/am3517evm/Makefile b/board/logicpd/am3517evm/Makefile
index 3a6b1a1..83fab0e 100644
--- a/board/logicpd/am3517evm/Makefile
+++ b/board/logicpd/am3517evm/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= am3517evm.o
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/logicpd/imx27lite/Makefile b/board/logicpd/imx27lite/Makefile
index 04dc8ae..944434b 100644
--- a/board/logicpd/imx27lite/Makefile
+++ b/board/logicpd/imx27lite/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= imx27lite.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/logicpd/imx31_litekit/Makefile b/board/logicpd/imx31_litekit/Makefile
index 218d968..e604c31 100644
--- a/board/logicpd/imx31_litekit/Makefile
+++ b/board/logicpd/imx31_litekit/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= imx31_litekit.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/logicpd/zoom1/Makefile b/board/logicpd/zoom1/Makefile
index 9e87f17..75085b4 100644
--- a/board/logicpd/zoom1/Makefile
+++ b/board/logicpd/zoom1/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= zoom1.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/logicpd/zoom2/Makefile b/board/logicpd/zoom2/Makefile
index 2feafbe..17f595e 100644
--- a/board/logicpd/zoom2/Makefile
+++ b/board/logicpd/zoom2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y := $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y += debug_board.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/lpc2292sodimm/Makefile b/board/lpc2292sodimm/Makefile
index 4eeb032..c1a5b0b 100644
--- a/board/lpc2292sodimm/Makefile
+++ b/board/lpc2292sodimm/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= flash.o lpc2292sodimm.o
 SOBJTS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJTS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/lpd7a40x/Makefile b/board/lpd7a40x/Makefile
index 446fd5b..3aeb2fb 100644
--- a/board/lpd7a40x/Makefile
+++ b/board/lpd7a40x/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= lpd7a40x.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/lubbock/Makefile b/board/lubbock/Makefile
index 2853bca..60ac9cf 100644
--- a/board/lubbock/Makefile
+++ b/board/lubbock/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= lubbock.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/lwmon/Makefile b/board/lwmon/Makefile
index 2b10b0c..b49f26d 100644
--- a/board/lwmon/Makefile
+++ b/board/lwmon/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/lwmon5/Makefile b/board/lwmon5/Makefile
index 5bb266f..ba9387d 100644
--- a/board/lwmon5/Makefile
+++ b/board/lwmon5/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o kbd.o sdram.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/m501sk/Makefile b/board/m501sk/Makefile
index aec3d1c..439e99f 100644
--- a/board/m501sk/Makefile
+++ b/board/m501sk/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS  := m501sk.o eeprom.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/manroland/hmi1001/Makefile b/board/manroland/hmi1001/Makefile
index 442e2d0..d3c31d6 100644
--- a/board/manroland/hmi1001/Makefile
+++ b/board/manroland/hmi1001/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/manroland/mucmc52/Makefile b/board/manroland/mucmc52/Makefile
index 721c016..a3b4e4c 100644
--- a/board/manroland/mucmc52/Makefile
+++ b/board/manroland/mucmc52/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/manroland/uc100/Makefile b/board/manroland/uc100/Makefile
index 92ee091..c1a385b 100644
--- a/board/manroland/uc100/Makefile
+++ b/board/manroland/uc100/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 #COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pcmcia.o
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o pcmcia.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/manroland/uc101/Makefile b/board/manroland/uc101/Makefile
index 442e2d0..d3c31d6 100644
--- a/board/manroland/uc101/Makefile
+++ b/board/manroland/uc101/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/matrix_vision/common/Makefile b/board/matrix_vision/common/Makefile
index b496258..2ad54a0 100644
--- a/board/matrix_vision/common/Makefile
+++ b/board/matrix_vision/common/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)board/$(VENDOR)/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).o
 
 COBJS-y	= mv_common.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/matrix_vision/mvbc_p/Makefile b/board/matrix_vision/mvbc_p/Makefile
index ea72f77..9ee0895 100644
--- a/board/matrix_vision/mvbc_p/Makefile
+++ b/board/matrix_vision/mvbc_p/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o fpga.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS   := $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	        $(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	        $(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/matrix_vision/mvblm7/Makefile b/board/matrix_vision/mvblm7/Makefile
index 12c7cb6..2ee74e0 100644
--- a/board/matrix_vision/mvblm7/Makefile
+++ b/board/matrix_vision/mvblm7/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o pci.o fpga.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 	@mkimage -T script -C none -n M7_script -d bootscript $(obj)bootscript.img
 
 clean:
diff --git a/board/matrix_vision/mvsmr/Makefile b/board/matrix_vision/mvsmr/Makefile
index 2817fe0..8ee556c 100644
--- a/board/matrix_vision/mvsmr/Makefile
+++ b/board/matrix_vision/mvsmr/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o fpga.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS   := $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	        $(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	        $(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 	@mkimage -T script -C none -n mvSMR_Script -d bootscript $(obj)bootscript.img
 
 clean:
diff --git a/board/mbx8xx/Makefile b/board/mbx8xx/Makefile
index d30cc62..a98a017 100644
--- a/board/mbx8xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/mbx8xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o vpd.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/mcc200/Makefile b/board/mcc200/Makefile
index e6e81ce..e0a24b1 100644
--- a/board/mcc200/Makefile
+++ b/board/mcc200/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o lcd.o auto_update.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/micronas/vct/Makefile b/board/micronas/vct/Makefile
index 2737ade..a7748fe 100644
--- a/board/micronas/vct/Makefile
+++ b/board/micronas/vct/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y := $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y += ebi.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mimc/mimc200/Makefile b/board/mimc/mimc200/Makefile
index 9f3849f..7fbd20d 100644
--- a/board/mimc/mimc200/Makefile
+++ b/board/mimc/mimc200/Makefile
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/miromico/hammerhead/Makefile b/board/miromico/hammerhead/Makefile
index 4b74d16..43f0b50 100644
--- a/board/miromico/hammerhead/Makefile
+++ b/board/miromico/hammerhead/Makefile
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	:= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ml2/Makefile b/board/ml2/Makefile
index 59644db..67de4f9 100644
--- a/board/ml2/Makefile
+++ b/board/ml2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o serial.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/modnet50/Makefile b/board/modnet50/Makefile
index bee5a86..d5a541f 100644
--- a/board/modnet50/Makefile
+++ b/board/modnet50/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= modnet50.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mosaixtech/icon/Makefile b/board/mosaixtech/icon/Makefile
index dad0457..39cff51 100644
--- a/board/mosaixtech/icon/Makefile
+++ b/board/mosaixtech/icon/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/motionpro/Makefile b/board/motionpro/Makefile
index 22ce8e6..f5d88bb 100644
--- a/board/motionpro/Makefile
+++ b/board/motionpro/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mousse/Makefile b/board/mousse/Makefile
index 3e719f0..346f779 100644
--- a/board/mousse/Makefile
+++ b/board/mousse/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o m48t59y.o pci.o flash.o
 SRCS	:= $(SOBJS:.o=.S) $(COBJS:.o=.c)
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/mp2usb/Makefile b/board/mp2usb/Makefile
index 67efd72..335734a 100644
--- a/board/mp2usb/Makefile
+++ b/board/mp2usb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mp2usb.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpc8308_p1m/Makefile b/board/mpc8308_p1m/Makefile
index e9bfa2b..241a557 100644
--- a/board/mpc8308_p1m/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpc8308_p1m/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpc8540eval/Makefile b/board/mpc8540eval/Makefile
index 5a68f11..5eccfab 100644
--- a/board/mpc8540eval/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpc8540eval/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpl/mip405/Makefile b/board/mpl/mip405/Makefile
index 21e3cda..042cd83 100644
--- a/board/mpl/mip405/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpl/mip405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o cmd_mip405.o ../common/pci.o \
 			../common/usb_uhci.o ../common/common_util.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpl/pati/Makefile b/board/mpl/pati/Makefile
index 9f38d70..937dfec 100644
--- a/board/mpl/pati/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpl/pati/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:=  pati.o ../common/flash.o cmd_pati.o ../common/common_util.o
 #### cmd_pati.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpl/pip405/Makefile b/board/mpl/pip405/Makefile
index fb39ec3..8b4bbc5 100644
--- a/board/mpl/pip405/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpl/pip405/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o \
 	  ../common/flash.o cmd_pip405.o ../common/pci.o \
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpl/vcma9/Makefile b/board/mpl/vcma9/Makefile
index 3f629fc..27cef1d 100644
--- a/board/mpl/vcma9/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpl/vcma9/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= vcma9.o flash.o cmd_vcma9.o
 COBJS	+= ../common/common_util.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mpr2/Makefile b/board/mpr2/Makefile
index 9f8fb80..b9c45b9 100644
--- a/board/mpr2/Makefile
+++ b/board/mpr2/Makefile
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mpr2.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ms7720se/Makefile b/board/ms7720se/Makefile
index 18745ec..0bf7743 100644
--- a/board/ms7720se/Makefile
+++ b/board/ms7720se/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ms7720se.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ms7722se/Makefile b/board/ms7722se/Makefile
index b203b6d..fc8ae21 100644
--- a/board/ms7722se/Makefile
+++ b/board/ms7722se/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ms7722se.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ms7750se/Makefile b/board/ms7750se/Makefile
index 01ddf69..8f1b459 100644
--- a/board/ms7750se/Makefile
+++ b/board/ms7750se/Makefile
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 #
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ms7750se.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/muas3001/Makefile b/board/muas3001/Makefile
index a4413b2..f219cf9 100644
--- a/board/muas3001/Makefile
+++ b/board/muas3001/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/munices/Makefile b/board/munices/Makefile
index 5862bed..5c7f947 100644
--- a/board/munices/Makefile
+++ b/board/munices/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/musenki/Makefile b/board/musenki/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/musenki/Makefile
+++ b/board/musenki/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/mvblue/Makefile b/board/mvblue/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/mvblue/Makefile
+++ b/board/mvblue/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/mx1ads/Makefile b/board/mx1ads/Makefile
index b68b1bd..20d7b86 100644
--- a/board/mx1ads/Makefile
+++ b/board/mx1ads/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mx1ads.o syncflash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/mx1fs2/Makefile b/board/mx1fs2/Makefile
index f81f7ac..c55b695 100644
--- a/board/mx1fs2/Makefile
+++ b/board/mx1fs2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= mx1fs2.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/netphone/Makefile b/board/netphone/Makefile
index df7d312..24c79a6 100644
--- a/board/netphone/Makefile
+++ b/board/netphone/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o phone_console.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/netstal/hcu4/Makefile b/board/netstal/hcu4/Makefile
index cd62642..a983de9 100644
--- a/board/netstal/hcu4/Makefile
+++ b/board/netstal/hcu4/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o \
 	../common/fixed_sdram.o \
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/netstal/hcu5/Makefile b/board/netstal/hcu5/Makefile
index d037552..5348765 100644
--- a/board/netstal/hcu5/Makefile
+++ b/board/netstal/hcu5/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o \
 	sdram.o \
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/netstal/mcu25/Makefile b/board/netstal/mcu25/Makefile
index cd62642..a983de9 100644
--- a/board/netstal/mcu25/Makefile
+++ b/board/netstal/mcu25/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o \
 	../common/fixed_sdram.o \
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/netstar/Makefile b/board/netstar/Makefile
index 5773c13..7230a2f 100644
--- a/board/netstar/Makefile
+++ b/board/netstar/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= netstar.o
 SOBJS	:= setup.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 		$(obj)crcek.srec $(obj)crcek.bin $(obj)crcit
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 $(obj)eeprom_start.o:
 	echo "b eeprom" | $(CC) $(AFLAGS) -c -x assembler -o $@ -
diff --git a/board/netta/Makefile b/board/netta/Makefile
index 96374ba..878151c 100644
--- a/board/netta/Makefile
+++ b/board/netta/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o dsp.o codec.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/netta2/Makefile b/board/netta2/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/netta2/Makefile
+++ b/board/netta2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/netvia/Makefile b/board/netvia/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/netvia/Makefile
+++ b/board/netvia/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ns9750dev/Makefile b/board/ns9750dev/Makefile
index 2ffed99..7794fbd 100644
--- a/board/ns9750dev/Makefile
+++ b/board/ns9750dev/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ns9750dev.o flash.o led.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/nx823/Makefile b/board/nx823/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/nx823/Makefile
+++ b/board/nx823/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/o2dnt/Makefile b/board/o2dnt/Makefile
index 58afd7b..3c99739 100644
--- a/board/o2dnt/Makefile
+++ b/board/o2dnt/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/overo/Makefile b/board/overo/Makefile
index dd673ca..22ba774 100644
--- a/board/overo/Makefile
+++ b/board/overo/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= overo.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/oxc/Makefile b/board/oxc/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/oxc/Makefile
+++ b/board/oxc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/palmld/Makefile b/board/palmld/Makefile
index 0cca8ab..29cdaee 100644
--- a/board/palmld/Makefile
+++ b/board/palmld/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= palmld.o
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/palmtc/Makefile b/board/palmtc/Makefile
index 3a12e66..15ef659 100644
--- a/board/palmtc/Makefile
+++ b/board/palmtc/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= palmtc.o
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/pandora/Makefile b/board/pandora/Makefile
index b41e8a0..0308681 100644
--- a/board/pandora/Makefile
+++ b/board/pandora/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= pandora.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/pb1x00/Makefile b/board/pb1x00/Makefile
index afe02c2..f1594a2 100644
--- a/board/pb1x00/Makefile
+++ b/board/pb1x00/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/pcippc2/Makefile b/board/pcippc2/Makefile
index a6ae906..6f0a928 100644
--- a/board/pcippc2/Makefile
+++ b/board/pcippc2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o cpc710_pci.o flash.o sconsole.o \
 	  fpga_serial.o pcippc2_fpga.o cpc710_init_ram.o i2c.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/pcs440ep/Makefile b/board/pcs440ep/Makefile
index 4044688..8708834 100644
--- a/board/pcs440ep/Makefile
+++ b/board/pcs440ep/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/pdm360ng/Makefile b/board/pdm360ng/Makefile
index 8513242..1b3d530 100644
--- a/board/pdm360ng/Makefile
+++ b/board/pdm360ng/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/phytec/pcm030/Makefile b/board/phytec/pcm030/Makefile
index 22ce8e6..f5d88bb 100644
--- a/board/phytec/pcm030/Makefile
+++ b/board/phytec/pcm030/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/pleb2/Makefile b/board/pleb2/Makefile
index cb0c3d7..9b076f5 100644
--- a/board/pleb2/Makefile
+++ b/board/pleb2/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= pleb2.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/pm520/Makefile b/board/pm520/Makefile
index c94e24f..d45db9f 100644
--- a/board/pm520/Makefile
+++ b/board/pm520/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/pm826/Makefile b/board/pm826/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/pm826/Makefile
+++ b/board/pm826/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/pm828/Makefile b/board/pm828/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/pm828/Makefile
+++ b/board/pm828/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/pm854/Makefile b/board/pm854/Makefile
index 52a756c..9f623a2 100644
--- a/board/pm854/Makefile
+++ b/board/pm854/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/pm856/Makefile b/board/pm856/Makefile
index 52a756c..9f623a2 100644
--- a/board/pm856/Makefile
+++ b/board/pm856/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/pn62/Makefile b/board/pn62/Makefile
index eb88898..eb17b5c 100644
--- a/board/pn62/Makefile
+++ b/board/pn62/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o cmd_pn62.o misc.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ppmc7xx/Makefile b/board/ppmc7xx/Makefile
index 22332fb..ff27a20 100644
--- a/board/ppmc7xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/ppmc7xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS	:= init.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ppmc8260/Makefile b/board/ppmc8260/Makefile
index 1d56d16..0141ea6 100644
--- a/board/ppmc8260/Makefile
+++ b/board/ppmc8260/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ppmc8260.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/prodrive/alpr/Makefile b/board/prodrive/alpr/Makefile
index ef3accb..66ff738 100644
--- a/board/prodrive/alpr/Makefile
+++ b/board/prodrive/alpr/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o fpga.o nand.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/prodrive/p3mx/Makefile b/board/prodrive/p3mx/Makefile
index 8456df3..59dc27d 100644
--- a/board/prodrive/p3mx/Makefile
+++ b/board/prodrive/p3mx/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../../Marvell/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 SOBJS	= misc.o
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o mpsc.o mv_eth.o pci.o sdram_init.o serial.o \
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/prodrive/p3p440/Makefile b/board/prodrive/p3p440/Makefile
index b93f2c3..5b0ffc2 100644
--- a/board/prodrive/p3p440/Makefile
+++ b/board/prodrive/p3p440/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/prodrive/pdnb3/Makefile b/board/prodrive/pdnb3/Makefile
index d07f25f..40a6fd2 100644
--- a/board/prodrive/pdnb3/Makefile
+++ b/board/prodrive/pdnb3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= flash.o pdnb3.o nand.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/psyent/pci5441/Makefile b/board/psyent/pci5441/Makefile
index 301b4a0..1cfe9e5 100644
--- a/board/psyent/pci5441/Makefile
+++ b/board/psyent/pci5441/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COMOBJS := ../common/AMDLV065D.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/psyent/pk1c20/Makefile b/board/psyent/pk1c20/Makefile
index e23a17b..4677809 100644
--- a/board/psyent/pk1c20/Makefile
+++ b/board/psyent/pk1c20/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COMOBJS := ../common/AMDLV065D.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/purple/Makefile b/board/purple/Makefile
index 29844ba..10e566d 100644
--- a/board/purple/Makefile
+++ b/board/purple/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o sconsole.o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/pxa255_idp/Makefile b/board/pxa255_idp/Makefile
index 2835f37..dbde833 100644
--- a/board/pxa255_idp/Makefile
+++ b/board/pxa255_idp/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= pxa_idp.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/qemu-mips/Makefile b/board/qemu-mips/Makefile
index 837b6b9..6251bb8 100644
--- a/board/qemu-mips/Makefile
+++ b/board/qemu-mips/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	 $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/quad100hd/Makefile b/board/quad100hd/Makefile
index f9db112..4ceb344 100644
--- a/board/quad100hd/Makefile
+++ b/board/quad100hd/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o nand.o
 SOBJS   =
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/quantum/Makefile b/board/quantum/Makefile
index c7a1d05..d44a260 100644
--- a/board/quantum/Makefile
+++ b/board/quantum/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o fpga.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/r360mpi/Makefile b/board/r360mpi/Makefile
index 9f34ad1..4072ef7 100644
--- a/board/r360mpi/Makefile
+++ b/board/r360mpi/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o pcmcia.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/rattler/Makefile b/board/rattler/Makefile
index dc40d9b..9079aad 100644
--- a/board/rattler/Makefile
+++ b/board/rattler/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/rbc823/Makefile b/board/rbc823/Makefile
index 2182bc9..72bbc2f 100644
--- a/board/rbc823/Makefile
+++ b/board/rbc823/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o kbd.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/renesas/MigoR/Makefile b/board/renesas/MigoR/Makefile
index 661b59d..3529810 100644
--- a/board/renesas/MigoR/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/MigoR/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= migo_r.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/renesas/ap325rxa/Makefile b/board/renesas/ap325rxa/Makefile
index 21f3e6e..5a2a0f3 100644
--- a/board/renesas/ap325rxa/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/ap325rxa/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= ap325rxa.o cpld-ap325rxa.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/renesas/r2dplus/Makefile b/board/renesas/r2dplus/Makefile
index e96a8aa..7d92354 100644
--- a/board/renesas/r2dplus/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/r2dplus/Makefile
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 #
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= r2dplus.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/renesas/r7780mp/Makefile b/board/renesas/r7780mp/Makefile
index c100e7e..14c5e42 100644
--- a/board/renesas/r7780mp/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/r7780mp/Makefile
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= r7780mp.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/renesas/rsk7203/Makefile b/board/renesas/rsk7203/Makefile
index 5412010..f908ba0 100644
--- a/board/renesas/rsk7203/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/rsk7203/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= lib$(BOARD).o
 
 OBJS	:= rsk7203.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/renesas/sh7763rdp/Makefile b/board/renesas/sh7763rdp/Makefile
index 62a683d..5f37700 100644
--- a/board/renesas/sh7763rdp/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/sh7763rdp/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sh7763rdp.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/renesas/sh7785lcr/Makefile b/board/renesas/sh7785lcr/Makefile
index b8e43f7..b5c496f 100644
--- a/board/renesas/sh7785lcr/Makefile
+++ b/board/renesas/sh7785lcr/Makefile
@@ -18,13 +18,13 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sh7785lcr.o selfcheck.o rtl8169_mac.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(COBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(COBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(COBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/rmu/Makefile b/board/rmu/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/rmu/Makefile
+++ b/board/rmu/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/ronetix/pm9261/Makefile b/board/ronetix/pm9261/Makefile
index 2e065a2..4b49808 100644
--- a/board/ronetix/pm9261/Makefile
+++ b/board/ronetix/pm9261/Makefile
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ronetix/pm9263/Makefile b/board/ronetix/pm9263/Makefile
index ebc2adf..2fc9fb4 100644
--- a/board/ronetix/pm9263/Makefile
+++ b/board/ronetix/pm9263/Makefile
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += pm9263.o
 COBJS-y += led.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ronetix/pm9g45/Makefile b/board/ronetix/pm9g45/Makefile
index dd5b02e..cb01262 100644
--- a/board/ronetix/pm9g45/Makefile
+++ b/board/ronetix/pm9g45/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += pm9g45.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/rpxsuper/Makefile b/board/rpxsuper/Makefile
index a749e26..73450ac 100644
--- a/board/rpxsuper/Makefile
+++ b/board/rpxsuper/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= rpxsuper.o flash.o mii_phy.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/rsdproto/Makefile b/board/rsdproto/Makefile
index 5c9c33c..d297622 100644
--- a/board/rsdproto/Makefile
+++ b/board/rsdproto/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= rsdproto.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= flash_asm.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sacsng/Makefile b/board/sacsng/Makefile
index de8a5b2..eae0f02 100644
--- a/board/sacsng/Makefile
+++ b/board/sacsng/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sacsng.o flash.o clkinit.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/samsung/goni/Makefile b/board/samsung/goni/Makefile
index 9b4c886..edc4665 100644
--- a/board/samsung/goni/Makefile
+++ b/board/samsung/goni/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= goni.o onenand.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(SOBJS) $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/samsung/smdk2400/Makefile b/board/samsung/smdk2400/Makefile
index 90cb2b8..0c45d02 100644
--- a/board/samsung/smdk2400/Makefile
+++ b/board/samsung/smdk2400/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= smdk2400.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/samsung/smdk2410/Makefile b/board/samsung/smdk2410/Makefile
index 5d0cd72..bda8898 100644
--- a/board/samsung/smdk2410/Makefile
+++ b/board/samsung/smdk2410/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= smdk2410.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/samsung/smdk6400/Makefile b/board/samsung/smdk6400/Makefile
index 7130220..40bf57e 100644
--- a/board/samsung/smdk6400/Makefile
+++ b/board/samsung/smdk6400/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= smdk6400.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(SOBJS) $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/samsung/smdkc100/Makefile b/board/samsung/smdkc100/Makefile
index 808d0dd..61d4b25 100644
--- a/board/samsung/smdkc100/Makefile
+++ b/board/samsung/smdkc100/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= smdkc100.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SAMSUNG_ONENAND)	+= onenand.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(SOBJS) $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sandburst/karef/Makefile b/board/sandburst/karef/Makefile
index 49d240c..d447140 100644
--- a/board/sandburst/karef/Makefile
+++ b/board/sandburst/karef/Makefile
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 # TBS: end debugging
 
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o ../common/ppc440gx_i2c.o \
 	../common/sb_common.o
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sandburst/metrobox/Makefile b/board/sandburst/metrobox/Makefile
index eb14910..e98c989 100644
--- a/board/sandburst/metrobox/Makefile
+++ b/board/sandburst/metrobox/Makefile
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 # TBS: end debugging
 
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../common/flash.o ../common/ppc440gx_i2c.o \
 	../common/sb_common.o
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sandpoint/Makefile b/board/sandpoint/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/sandpoint/Makefile
+++ b/board/sandpoint/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/sbc2410x/Makefile b/board/sbc2410x/Makefile
index 95f2ad1..2b3b781 100644
--- a/board/sbc2410x/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc2410x/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sbc2410x.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sbc405/Makefile b/board/sbc405/Makefile
index 1c60447..0f53340 100644
--- a/board/sbc405/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc405/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o strataflash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sbc8240/Makefile b/board/sbc8240/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/sbc8240/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc8240/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/sbc8260/Makefile b/board/sbc8260/Makefile
index 034a551..f1d86fc 100644
--- a/board/sbc8260/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc8260/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sbc8260.o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sbc8349/Makefile b/board/sbc8349/Makefile
index 454c226..24c7b98 100644
--- a/board/sbc8349/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc8349/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sbc8548/Makefile b/board/sbc8548/Makefile
index 09e5c2e..f68ec8d 100644
--- a/board/sbc8548/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc8548/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/sbc8560/Makefile b/board/sbc8560/Makefile
index 6399734..a402ee4 100644
--- a/board/sbc8560/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc8560/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/sbc8641d/Makefile b/board/sbc8641d/Makefile
index c78b0a8..433c132 100644
--- a/board/sbc8641d/Makefile
+++ b/board/sbc8641d/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/sc3/Makefile b/board/sc3/Makefile
index 88989bd..48f5cf6 100644
--- a/board/sc3/Makefile
+++ b/board/sc3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o sc3nand.o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/scb9328/Makefile b/board/scb9328/Makefile
index 3bac477..a980f76 100644
--- a/board/scb9328/Makefile
+++ b/board/scb9328/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= scb9328.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/shannon/Makefile b/board/shannon/Makefile
index 16ed4cf..23ac987 100644
--- a/board/shannon/Makefile
+++ b/board/shannon/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= shannon.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sheldon/simpc8313/Makefile b/board/sheldon/simpc8313/Makefile
index 7c34c5e..f18aded 100644
--- a/board/sheldon/simpc8313/Makefile
+++ b/board/sheldon/simpc8313/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/siemens/IAD210/Makefile b/board/siemens/IAD210/Makefile
index aa1510e..bb81507 100644
--- a/board/siemens/IAD210/Makefile
+++ b/board/siemens/IAD210/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o atm.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/siemens/SCM/Makefile b/board/siemens/SCM/Makefile
index 6ef49c2..3871079 100644
--- a/board/siemens/SCM/Makefile
+++ b/board/siemens/SCM/Makefile
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../../tqc/tqm8xx)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= scm.o flash.o fpga_scm.o ../common/fpga.o \
 	  ../../tqc/tqm8xx/load_sernum_ethaddr.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/siemens/SMN42/Makefile b/board/siemens/SMN42/Makefile
index 4e75b6f..c054a3e 100644
--- a/board/siemens/SMN42/Makefile
+++ b/board/siemens/SMN42/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= flash.o smn42.o
 SOBJTS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJTS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/sixnet/Makefile b/board/sixnet/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/sixnet/Makefile
+++ b/board/sixnet/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/snmc/qs850/Makefile b/board/snmc/qs850/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/snmc/qs850/Makefile
+++ b/board/snmc/qs850/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/snmc/qs860t/Makefile b/board/snmc/qs860t/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/snmc/qs860t/Makefile
+++ b/board/snmc/qs860t/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/socrates/Makefile b/board/socrates/Makefile
index 6fae601..1ca6377 100644
--- a/board/socrates/Makefile
+++ b/board/socrates/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 #
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/sorcery/Makefile b/board/sorcery/Makefile
index 434d348..ec5cf53 100644
--- a/board/sorcery/Makefile
+++ b/board/sorcery/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/spc1920/Makefile b/board/spc1920/Makefile
index 0c48c3a..d783179 100644
--- a/board/spc1920/Makefile
+++ b/board/spc1920/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o hpi.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/spd8xx/Makefile b/board/spd8xx/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/spd8xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/spd8xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/spear/common/Makefile b/board/spear/common/Makefile
index 4f8959f..e0df6c1 100644
--- a/board/spear/common/Makefile
+++ b/board/spear/common/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)board/$(VENDOR)/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).o
 
 COBJS	:= spr_misc.o
 SOBJS	:= spr_lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/spear/spear300/Makefile b/board/spear/spear300/Makefile
index b5168ff..b9b0fed 100644
--- a/board/spear/spear300/Makefile
+++ b/board/spear/spear300/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= spear300.o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/spear/spear310/Makefile b/board/spear/spear310/Makefile
index e67e941..6dce093 100644
--- a/board/spear/spear310/Makefile
+++ b/board/spear/spear310/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= spear310.o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/spear/spear320/Makefile b/board/spear/spear320/Makefile
index 1b80586..f6bd7dd 100644
--- a/board/spear/spear320/Makefile
+++ b/board/spear/spear320/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= spear320.o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/spear/spear600/Makefile b/board/spear/spear600/Makefile
index 1978002..6b643bf 100644
--- a/board/spear/spear600/Makefile
+++ b/board/spear/spear600/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= spear600.o
 SOBJS	:=
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/st/nhk8815/Makefile b/board/st/nhk8815/Makefile
index b37fe53..3f360dc 100644
--- a/board/st/nhk8815/Makefile
+++ b/board/st/nhk8815/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= nhk8815.o
 SOBJS	:= platform.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/stx/stxgp3/Makefile b/board/stx/stxgp3/Makefile
index 5a68f11..5eccfab 100644
--- a/board/stx/stxgp3/Makefile
+++ b/board/stx/stxgp3/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/stx/stxssa/Makefile b/board/stx/stxssa/Makefile
index 9ab41ec..6b47ceb 100644
--- a/board/stx/stxssa/Makefile
+++ b/board/stx/stxssa/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= law.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/stx/stxxtc/Makefile b/board/stx/stxxtc/Makefile
index 424ab1c..ac860c1 100644
--- a/board/stx/stxxtc/Makefile
+++ b/board/stx/stxxtc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/svm_sc8xx/Makefile b/board/svm_sc8xx/Makefile
index cf07cf4..6dc495c 100644
--- a/board/svm_sc8xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/svm_sc8xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/sx1/Makefile b/board/sx1/Makefile
index 4c11030..27d85b0 100644
--- a/board/sx1/Makefile
+++ b/board/sx1/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sx1.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/syteco/jadecpu/Makefile b/board/syteco/jadecpu/Makefile
index 87d2234..30818d2 100644
--- a/board/syteco/jadecpu/Makefile
+++ b/board/syteco/jadecpu/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= jadecpu.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/t3corp/Makefile b/board/t3corp/Makefile
index e2bb546..682174f 100644
--- a/board/t3corp/Makefile
+++ b/board/t3corp/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CHIP_CONFIG) += chip_config.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/tb0229/Makefile b/board/tb0229/Makefile
index 1f6f517..76f1664 100644
--- a/board/tb0229/Makefile
+++ b/board/tb0229/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o vr4131-pci.o
 SOBJS	= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/tcm-bf518/Makefile b/board/tcm-bf518/Makefile
index f2bd2c2..cde8168 100644
--- a/board/tcm-bf518/Makefile
+++ b/board/tcm-bf518/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/tcm-bf537/Makefile b/board/tcm-bf537/Makefile
index bad018a..4d7bf14 100644
--- a/board/tcm-bf537/Makefile
+++ b/board/tcm-bf537/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	:= $(BOARD).o gpio_cfi_flash.o
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/beagle/Makefile b/board/ti/beagle/Makefile
index f797112..3b4aaac 100644
--- a/board/ti/beagle/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/beagle/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= beagle.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/evm/Makefile b/board/ti/evm/Makefile
index b951bb4..2ff8356 100644
--- a/board/ti/evm/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/evm/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= evm.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/omap1510inn/Makefile b/board/ti/omap1510inn/Makefile
index cd222db..9281fc2 100644
--- a/board/ti/omap1510inn/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/omap1510inn/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= omap1510innovator.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/omap1610inn/Makefile b/board/ti/omap1610inn/Makefile
index 1adcad6..4e21a37 100644
--- a/board/ti/omap1610inn/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/omap1610inn/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= omap1610innovator.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/omap2420h4/Makefile b/board/ti/omap2420h4/Makefile
index f39eef0..5174d89 100644
--- a/board/ti/omap2420h4/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/omap2420h4/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= omap2420h4.o mem.o sys_info.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/omap5912osk/Makefile b/board/ti/omap5912osk/Makefile
index e9bb0ec..e2de898 100644
--- a/board/ti/omap5912osk/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/omap5912osk/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= omap5912osk.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/omap730p2/Makefile b/board/ti/omap730p2/Makefile
index 0d7ae61..a04f7aa 100644
--- a/board/ti/omap730p2/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/omap730p2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= omap730p2.o flash.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/panda/Makefile b/board/ti/panda/Makefile
index 81e5469..2186403 100644
--- a/board/ti/panda/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/panda/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= panda.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/sdp3430/Makefile b/board/ti/sdp3430/Makefile
index 2554c7b..bce8534 100644
--- a/board/ti/sdp3430/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/sdp3430/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sdp.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/sdp4430/Makefile b/board/ti/sdp4430/Makefile
index 2554c7b..bce8534 100644
--- a/board/ti/sdp4430/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/sdp4430/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= sdp.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ti/tnetv107xevm/Makefile b/board/ti/tnetv107xevm/Makefile
index 2446c2a..03238f0 100644
--- a/board/ti/tnetv107xevm/Makefile
+++ b/board/ti/tnetv107xevm/Makefile
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS		+= sdb_board.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 all: $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/timll/devkit8000/Makefile b/board/timll/devkit8000/Makefile
index 38600c4..3f160b2 100644
--- a/board/timll/devkit8000/Makefile
+++ b/board/timll/devkit8000/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= devkit8000.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/total5200/Makefile b/board/total5200/Makefile
index a8abd7d..066d9ca 100644
--- a/board/total5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/total5200/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o sdram.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/tqc/tqm5200/Makefile b/board/tqc/tqm5200/Makefile
index 55c4d99..d0e68c3 100644
--- a/board/tqc/tqm5200/Makefile
+++ b/board/tqc/tqm5200/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o cmd_stk52xx.o cmd_tb5200.o cam5200_flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/tqc/tqm8260/Makefile b/board/tqc/tqm8260/Makefile
index 94ba1e9..d5b6df6 100644
--- a/board/tqc/tqm8260/Makefile
+++ b/board/tqc/tqm8260/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../tqm8xx/)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../tqm8xx/load_sernum_ethaddr.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/tqc/tqm8272/Makefile b/board/tqc/tqm8272/Makefile
index c97fe14..d2a90d5 100644
--- a/board/tqc/tqm8272/Makefile
+++ b/board/tqc/tqm8272/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)../tqm8xx/)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o ../tqm8xx/load_sernum_ethaddr.o nand.o
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/tqc/tqm834x/Makefile b/board/tqc/tqm834x/Makefile
index 011e631..bce53a4 100644
--- a/board/tqc/tqm834x/Makefile
+++ b/board/tqc/tqm834x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y += $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/tqc/tqm85xx/Makefile b/board/tqc/tqm85xx/Makefile
index adda9d4..a40a895 100644
--- a/board/tqc/tqm85xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/tqc/tqm85xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= sdram.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/tqc/tqm8xx/Makefile b/board/tqc/tqm8xx/Makefile
index 280982d..888cf24 100644
--- a/board/tqc/tqm8xx/Makefile
+++ b/board/tqc/tqm8xx/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o load_sernum_ethaddr.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/trab/Makefile b/board/trab/Makefile
index 0b13dc4..82da40c 100644
--- a/board/trab/Makefile
+++ b/board/trab/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= trab.o flash.o vfd.o cmd_trab.o memory.o tsc2000.o auto_update.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(obj)trab_fkt.srec $(obj)trab_fkt.bin
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 $(obj)trab_fkt.srec:	$(OBJS_FKT) $(LIB)
 	$(LD) -g -Ttext $(LOAD_ADDR) -o $(<:.o=) -e trab_fkt $^ $(LIB) \
diff --git a/board/trizepsiv/Makefile b/board/trizepsiv/Makefile
index 060ac89..eac00ae 100644
--- a/board/trizepsiv/Makefile
+++ b/board/trizepsiv/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= conxs.o eeprom.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ttcontrol/vision2/Makefile b/board/ttcontrol/vision2/Makefile
index 309e3a3..9ed8246 100644
--- a/board/ttcontrol/vision2/Makefile
+++ b/board/ttcontrol/vision2/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= vision2.o
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/utx8245/Makefile b/board/utx8245/Makefile
index 7ad768b..33c1dcd 100644
--- a/board/utx8245/Makefile
+++ b/board/utx8245/Makefile
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/v37/Makefile b/board/v37/Makefile
index 109cec2..9b00eb0 100644
--- a/board/v37/Makefile
+++ b/board/v37/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/v38b/Makefile b/board/v38b/Makefile
index 0b227da..d463db4 100644
--- a/board/v38b/Makefile
+++ b/board/v38b/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o ethaddr.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/ve8313/Makefile b/board/ve8313/Makefile
index c95f90e..4a1b249 100644
--- a/board/ve8313/Makefile
+++ b/board/ve8313/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/voiceblue/Makefile b/board/voiceblue/Makefile
index 0067f05..e16b195 100644
--- a/board/voiceblue/Makefile
+++ b/board/voiceblue/Makefile
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= voiceblue.o
 SOBJS	:= setup.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(obj).depend $(LIB) $(obj)eeprom.srec $(obj)eeprom.bin
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 $(obj)eeprom_start.o:
 	echo "b eeprom" | $(CC) $(AFLAGS) -c -x assembler -o $@ -
diff --git a/board/vpac270/Makefile b/board/vpac270/Makefile
index c359917..f9acf63 100644
--- a/board/vpac270/Makefile
+++ b/board/vpac270/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= vpac270.o
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/w7o/Makefile b/board/w7o/Makefile
index e481bb2..5c94870 100644
--- a/board/w7o/Makefile
+++ b/board/w7o/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o fpga.o fsboot.o post2.o vpd.o cmd_vpd.o \
 	  watchdog.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/westel/amx860/Makefile b/board/westel/amx860/Makefile
index dcb1907..12e4aa6 100644
--- a/board/westel/amx860/Makefile
+++ b/board/westel/amx860/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o flash.o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/board/xaeniax/Makefile b/board/xaeniax/Makefile
index 554915a..0a2fe96 100644
--- a/board/xaeniax/Makefile
+++ b/board/xaeniax/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= xaeniax.o flash.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/xes/common/Makefile b/board/xes/common/Makefile
index 16e0b66..7604f62 100644
--- a/board/xes/common/Makefile
+++ b/board/xes/common/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 $(shell mkdir -p $(obj)board/$(VENDOR)/common)
 endif
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(VENDOR).o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_PCI_INIT)	+= fsl_8xxx_pci.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MPC8572)		+= fsl_8xxx_clk.o
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/xes/xpedite1000/Makefile b/board/xes/xpedite1000/Makefile
index b93f2c3..5b0ffc2 100644
--- a/board/xes/xpedite1000/Makefile
+++ b/board/xes/xpedite1000/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 SOBJS	= init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/xes/xpedite517x/Makefile b/board/xes/xpedite517x/Makefile
index fea6686..cac32e9 100644
--- a/board/xes/xpedite517x/Makefile
+++ b/board/xes/xpedite517x/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/xes/xpedite520x/Makefile b/board/xes/xpedite520x/Makefile
index 02fe8fc..a774816 100644
--- a/board/xes/xpedite520x/Makefile
+++ b/board/xes/xpedite520x/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/xes/xpedite537x/Makefile b/board/xes/xpedite537x/Makefile
index 919397c..86138f9 100644
--- a/board/xes/xpedite537x/Makefile
+++ b/board/xes/xpedite537x/Makefile
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/xes/xpedite550x/Makefile b/board/xes/xpedite550x/Makefile
index 8980a4b..7bc224c 100644
--- a/board/xes/xpedite550x/Makefile
+++ b/board/xes/xpedite550x/Makefile
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS-y	+= $(BOARD).o
 COBJS-y	+= ddr.o
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS-y))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
diff --git a/board/xilinx/microblaze-generic/Makefile b/board/xilinx/microblaze-generic/Makefile
index 10b47b2..efe64d8 100644
--- a/board/xilinx/microblaze-generic/Makefile
+++ b/board/xilinx/microblaze-generic/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/xilinx/ppc405-generic/Makefile b/board/xilinx/ppc405-generic/Makefile
index 4e87e4b..4b8e4f4 100644
--- a/board/xilinx/ppc405-generic/Makefile
+++ b/board/xilinx/ppc405-generic/Makefile
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 CFLAGS		+= $(INCS)
 HOSTCFLAGS	+= $(INCS)
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	+= ../../xilinx/ppc405-generic/xilinx_ppc405_generic.o
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/xilinx/ppc440-generic/Makefile b/board/xilinx/ppc440-generic/Makefile
index 11a8f69..d84cf69 100644
--- a/board/xilinx/ppc440-generic/Makefile
+++ b/board/xilinx/ppc440-generic/Makefile
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 CFLAGS		+= $(INCS)
 HOSTCFLAGS	+= $(INCS)
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	+= ../../xilinx/ppc440-generic/xilinx_ppc440_generic.o
 
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $^
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/xm250/Makefile b/board/xm250/Makefile
index 11e2b30..4e86cc2 100644
--- a/board/xm250/Makefile
+++ b/board/xm250/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= xm250.o flash.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/zeus/Makefile b/board/zeus/Makefile
index 55fb4c4..1ed0265 100644
--- a/board/zeus/Makefile
+++ b/board/zeus/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	= $(BOARD).o update.o
 SOBJS   =
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/zipitz2/Makefile b/board/zipitz2/Makefile
index 8d452de..16eea07 100644
--- a/board/zipitz2/Makefile
+++ b/board/zipitz2/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= zipitz2.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/zpc1900/Makefile b/board/zpc1900/Makefile
index dc40d9b..9079aad 100644
--- a/board/zpc1900/Makefile
+++ b/board/zpc1900/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= $(BOARD).o
 
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/board/zylonite/Makefile b/board/zylonite/Makefile
index 8954235..3e57e49 100644
--- a/board/zylonite/Makefile
+++ b/board/zylonite/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).a
+LIB	= $(obj)lib$(BOARD).o
 
 COBJS	:= zylonite.o nand.o
 SOBJS	:= lowlevel_init.o
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 SOBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS) $(SOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS) $(SOBJS))
 
 clean:
 	rm -f $(SOBJS) $(OBJS)
diff --git a/common/Makefile b/common/Makefile
index 2c37073..e0db382 100644
--- a/common/Makefile
+++ b/common/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libcommon.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libcommon.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 $(obj)env_embedded.o: $(src)env_embedded.c $(obj)../tools/envcrc
 	$(CC) $(AFLAGS) -Wa,--no-warn \
diff --git a/config.mk b/config.mk
index ce8e5f2..19e0a6e 100644
--- a/config.mk
+++ b/config.mk
@@ -259,3 +259,10 @@
 		-o $@ $< -c -S
 
 #########################################################################
+
+# If the list of objects to link is empty, just create an empty built-in.o
+cmd_link_o_target = $(if $(strip $1),\
+                      $(LD) -r -o $@ $1 ,\
+                      rm -f $@; $(AR) rcs $@ )
+
+#########################################################################
diff --git a/disk/Makefile b/disk/Makefile
index 128db77..17266a2 100644
--- a/disk/Makefile
+++ b/disk/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 #CFLAGS += -DET_DEBUG -DDEBUG
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libdisk.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libdisk.o
 
 COBJS-y += part.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MAC_PARTITION)   += part_mac.o
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/bios_emulator/Makefile b/drivers/bios_emulator/Makefile
index feba4da..d94a144 100644
--- a/drivers/bios_emulator/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/bios_emulator/Makefile
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB := $(obj)libatibiosemu.a
+LIB := $(obj)libatibiosemu.o
 
 X86DIR  = x86emu
 
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/block/Makefile b/drivers/block/Makefile
index 64dcf4e..e27175b 100644
--- a/drivers/block/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/block/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libblock.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libblock.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SCSI_AHCI) += ahci.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATA_PIIX) += ata_piix.o
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/dma/Makefile b/drivers/dma/Makefile
index 36d99f9..9d945a0 100644
--- a/drivers/dma/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/dma/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libdma.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libdma.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSLDMAFEC) += MCD_tasksInit.o MCD_dmaApi.o MCD_tasks.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_DMA) += fsl_dma.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/fpga/Makefile b/drivers/fpga/Makefile
index 9ecdc5e..b48f623 100644
--- a/drivers/fpga/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/fpga/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libfpga.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libfpga.o
 
 ifdef CONFIG_FPGA
 COBJS-y += fpga.o
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/gpio/Makefile b/drivers/gpio/Makefile
index a0f4552..398024c 100644
--- a/drivers/gpio/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/gpio/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB 	:= $(obj)libgpio.a
+LIB 	:= $(obj)libgpio.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_AT91_GPIO)	+= at91_gpio.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_KIRKWOOD_GPIO)	+= kw_gpio.o
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 
 #########################################################################
diff --git a/drivers/hwmon/Makefile b/drivers/hwmon/Makefile
index 59302fa..f04cd69 100644
--- a/drivers/hwmon/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/hwmon/Makefile
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 #CFLAGS += -DDEBUG
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libhwmon.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libhwmon.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_DTT_ADM1021) += adm1021.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_DTT_ADT7460) += adt7460.o
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/i2c/Makefile b/drivers/i2c/Makefile
index 8921ff9..052fe36 100644
--- a/drivers/i2c/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/i2c/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libi2c.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libi2c.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_BFIN_TWI_I2C) += bfin-twi_i2c.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_DRIVER_DAVINCI_I2C) += davinci_i2c.o
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/input/Makefile b/drivers/input/Makefile
index 9a14407..1f4dad3 100644
--- a/drivers/input/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/input/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libinput.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libinput.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_I8042_KBD) += i8042.o
 ifdef CONFIG_PS2KBD
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/misc/Makefile b/drivers/misc/Makefile
index 5d668f8..a76bd4e 100644
--- a/drivers/misc/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/misc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libmisc.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libmisc.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ALI152X) += ali512x.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_DS4510)  += ds4510.o
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/mmc/Makefile b/drivers/mmc/Makefile
index 2ead634..68afd30 100644
--- a/drivers/mmc/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/mmc/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libmmc.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libmmc.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATMEL_MCI) += atmel_mci.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_BFIN_SDH) += bfin_sdh.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/mtd/Makefile b/drivers/mtd/Makefile
index cbf6f15..999431c 100644
--- a/drivers/mtd/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/mtd/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libmtd.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libmtd.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MTD_DEVICE) += mtdcore.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MTD_PARTITIONS) += mtdpart.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/mtd/nand/Makefile b/drivers/mtd/nand/Makefile
index 28f27da..8b598f6 100644
--- a/drivers/mtd/nand/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/mtd/nand/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libnand.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libnand.o
 
 ifdef CONFIG_CMD_NAND
 COBJS-y += nand.o
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/mtd/onenand/Makefile b/drivers/mtd/onenand/Makefile
index 2571df0..b984bd4 100644
--- a/drivers/mtd/onenand/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/mtd/onenand/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libonenand.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libonenand.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_ONENAND)	:= onenand_uboot.o onenand_base.o onenand_bbt.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SAMSUNG_ONENAND)	+= samsung.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/mtd/spi/Makefile b/drivers/mtd/spi/Makefile
index a082ca7..3d607c0 100644
--- a/drivers/mtd/spi/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/mtd/spi/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libspi_flash.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libspi_flash.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SPI_FLASH)	+= spi_flash.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SPI_FLASH_ATMEL)	+= atmel.o
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/mtd/ubi/Makefile b/drivers/mtd/ubi/Makefile
index 8bd82c3..b2e6014 100644
--- a/drivers/mtd/ubi/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/mtd/ubi/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB 	:= $(obj)libubi.a
+LIB 	:= $(obj)libubi.o
 
 ifdef CONFIG_CMD_UBI
 COBJS-y += build.o vtbl.o vmt.o upd.o kapi.o eba.o io.o wl.o scan.o crc32.o
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/net/Makefile b/drivers/net/Makefile
index 79eb66b..5393955 100644
--- a/drivers/net/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/net/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libnet.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libnet.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_DRIVER_3C589) += 3c589.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PPC4xx_EMAC) += 4xx_enet.o
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/net/phy/Makefile b/drivers/net/phy/Makefile
index 3b92614..bba8901 100644
--- a/drivers/net/phy/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/net/phy/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libphy.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libphy.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_BITBANGMII) += miiphybb.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MV88E61XX_SWITCH) += mv88e61xx.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/pci/Makefile b/drivers/pci/Makefile
index 0c4fa80..ee0c64d 100644
--- a/drivers/pci/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/pci/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libpci.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libpci.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_FSL_PCI_INIT) += fsl_pci_init.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_PCI) += pci.o pci_auto.o pci_indirect.o
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/pcmcia/Makefile b/drivers/pcmcia/Makefile
index babe3ec..0349508 100644
--- a/drivers/pcmcia/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/pcmcia/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libpcmcia.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libpcmcia.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_I82365) += i82365.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_8xx) += mpc8xx_pcmcia.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/power/Makefile b/drivers/power/Makefile
index db53173..c9ba1ae 100644
--- a/drivers/power/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/power/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB 	:= $(obj)libpower.a
+LIB 	:= $(obj)libpower.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_TWL4030_POWER)	+= twl4030.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_TWL6030_POWER)	+= twl6030.o
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 
 #########################################################################
diff --git a/drivers/qe/Makefile b/drivers/qe/Makefile
index 18fe9ce..8e9a035 100644
--- a/drivers/qe/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/qe/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)qe.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libqe.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_OF_LIBFDT) += fdt.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_QE) += qe.o uccf.o uec.o uec_phy.o
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/rtc/Makefile b/drivers/rtc/Makefile
index 98734db..f810fca 100644
--- a/drivers/rtc/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/rtc/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 #CFLAGS += -DDEBUG
 
-LIB	= $(obj)librtc.a
+LIB	= $(obj)librtc.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_RTC_AT91SAM9_RTT) += at91sam9_rtt.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_RTC_BFIN) += bfin_rtc.o
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/serial/Makefile b/drivers/serial/Makefile
index 6d45a8e..7d221fc 100644
--- a/drivers/serial/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/serial/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libserial.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libserial.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ALTERA_UART) += altera_uart.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ALTERA_JTAG_UART) += altera_jtag_uart.o
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/spi/Makefile b/drivers/spi/Makefile
index dfcbb8b..117ab19 100644
--- a/drivers/spi/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/spi/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libspi.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libspi.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ALTERA_SPI) += altera_spi.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATMEL_DATAFLASH_SPI) += atmel_dataflash_spi.o
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/twserial/Makefile b/drivers/twserial/Makefile
index 0b059f3..6c9a987 100644
--- a/drivers/twserial/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/twserial/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libtws.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libtws.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_SOFT_TWS) += soft_tws.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/usb/gadget/Makefile b/drivers/usb/gadget/Makefile
index 8e6b26e..f137817 100644
--- a/drivers/usb/gadget/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/usb/gadget/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_gadget.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_gadget.o
 
 # new USB gadget layer dependencies
 ifdef CONFIG_USB_ETHER
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/usb/host/Makefile b/drivers/usb/host/Makefile
index 0e7c9db..51b2494 100644
--- a/drivers/usb/host/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/usb/host/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_host.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_host.o
 
 # ohci
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_USB_OHCI_NEW) += ohci-hcd.o
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/usb/musb/Makefile b/drivers/usb/musb/Makefile
index 7d23e06..20b5503 100644
--- a/drivers/usb/musb/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/usb/musb/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_musb.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_musb.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MUSB_HCD) += musb_hcd.o musb_core.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_MUSB_UDC) += musb_udc.o musb_core.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/usb/phy/Makefile b/drivers/usb/phy/Makefile
index f09e55f..5547570 100644
--- a/drivers/usb/phy/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/usb/phy/Makefile
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_phy.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libusb_phy.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_TWL4030_USB) += twl4030.o
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/video/Makefile b/drivers/video/Makefile
index 5b7b261..83274c3 100644
--- a/drivers/video/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/video/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libvideo.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libvideo.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATI_RADEON_FB) += ati_radeon_fb.o videomodes.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ATMEL_LCD) += atmel_lcdfb.o
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/drivers/watchdog/Makefile b/drivers/watchdog/Makefile
index 200968de..6ab4d52 100644
--- a/drivers/watchdog/Makefile
+++ b/drivers/watchdog/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	:= $(obj)libwatchdog.a
+LIB	:= $(obj)libwatchdog.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_AT91SAM9_WATCHDOG) += at91sam9_wdt.o
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/examples/standalone/Makefile b/examples/standalone/Makefile
index c2dd514..c1dfdce 100644
--- a/examples/standalone/Makefile
+++ b/examples/standalone/Makefile
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 
 COBJS	:= $(ELF:=.o)
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libstubs.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libstubs.o
 
 LIBAOBJS-$(ARCH)     :=
 LIBAOBJS-$(CPU)      :=
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@
 
 #########################################################################
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(LIBOBJS)
-		$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(LIBOBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(LIBOBJS))
 
 $(ELF):
 $(obj)%:	$(obj)%.o $(LIB)
diff --git a/fs/cramfs/Makefile b/fs/cramfs/Makefile
index 7b6cc0a..5f41932 100644
--- a/fs/cramfs/Makefile
+++ b/fs/cramfs/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libcramfs.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libcramfs.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_CRAMFS) := cramfs.o
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 
 #########################################################################
diff --git a/fs/ext2/Makefile b/fs/ext2/Makefile
index 712e348..3c65d25 100644
--- a/fs/ext2/Makefile
+++ b/fs/ext2/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libext2fs.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libext2fs.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_EXT2) := ext2fs.o dev.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/fs/fat/Makefile b/fs/fat/Makefile
index b711460..bc45966 100644
--- a/fs/fat/Makefile
+++ b/fs/fat/Makefile
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libfat.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libfat.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_FAT)	:= fat.o file.o
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 
 #########################################################################
diff --git a/fs/fdos/Makefile b/fs/fdos/Makefile
index fce2032..9cd4d91 100644
--- a/fs/fdos/Makefile
+++ b/fs/fdos/Makefile
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libfdos.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libfdos.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_FDOS) := fat.o vfat.o dev.o fdos.o fs.o subdir.o
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 
 #########################################################################
diff --git a/fs/jffs2/Makefile b/fs/jffs2/Makefile
index 7c9fb41..6db6145 100644
--- a/fs/jffs2/Makefile
+++ b/fs/jffs2/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libjffs2.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libjffs2.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 ifdef CONFIG_CMD_JFFS2
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 
 #########################################################################
diff --git a/fs/reiserfs/Makefile b/fs/reiserfs/Makefile
index 9cef8ee..495759c 100644
--- a/fs/reiserfs/Makefile
+++ b/fs/reiserfs/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libreiserfs.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libreiserfs.o
 
 AOBJS	=
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_REISER) := reiserfs.o dev.o mode_string.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/fs/ubifs/Makefile b/fs/ubifs/Makefile
index 8328843..ccffe85 100644
--- a/fs/ubifs/Makefile
+++ b/fs/ubifs/Makefile
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libubifs.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libubifs.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_UBIFS) := ubifs.o io.o super.o sb.o master.o lpt.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_UBIFS) += lpt_commit.o scan.o lprops.o
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB) $(AOBJS)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/fs/yaffs2/Makefile b/fs/yaffs2/Makefile
index a2ef5e2..7753cfc 100644
--- a/fs/yaffs2/Makefile
+++ b/fs/yaffs2/Makefile
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 #EXTRA_COMPILE_FLAGS = -DYAFFS_IGNORE_TAGS_ECC
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB = $(obj)libyaffs2.a
+LIB = $(obj)libyaffs2.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_YAFFS2) := \
 	yaffscfg.o yaffs_ecc.o yaffsfs.o yaffs_guts.o yaffs_packedtags1.o \
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 all:  $(LIB)
 
 $(LIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 .PHONY: clean distclean
 clean:
diff --git a/include/configs/balloon3.h b/include/configs/balloon3.h
index 63e6d6e..b604b52 100644
--- a/include/configs/balloon3.h
+++ b/include/configs/balloon3.h
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@
 #include <config_cmd_default.h>
 
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_NET
+#undef	CONFIG_CMD_NFS
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_ENV
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_IMLS
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_USB
diff --git a/include/configs/palmld.h b/include/configs/palmld.h
index 65f1306..514bcaa 100644
--- a/include/configs/palmld.h
+++ b/include/configs/palmld.h
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@
 #include <config_cmd_default.h>
 
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_NET
+#undef	CONFIG_CMD_NFS
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_ENV
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_IMLS
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_MMC
diff --git a/include/configs/palmtc.h b/include/configs/palmtc.h
index 3f6c2f1..bdb5f57 100644
--- a/include/configs/palmtc.h
+++ b/include/configs/palmtc.h
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@
 #include <config_cmd_default.h>
 
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_NET
+#undef	CONFIG_CMD_NFS
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_ENV
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_MMC
 #define	CONFIG_LCD
diff --git a/include/configs/pleb2.h b/include/configs/pleb2.h
index 64654f8..9dbb406 100644
--- a/include/configs/pleb2.h
+++ b/include/configs/pleb2.h
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@
 #include <config_cmd_default.h>
 
 #undef CONFIG_CMD_NET
+#undef CONFIG_CMD_NFS
 
 
 #define CONFIG_BOOTDELAY	3
diff --git a/include/configs/zipitz2.h b/include/configs/zipitz2.h
index 615d5c1..ade40b5 100644
--- a/include/configs/zipitz2.h
+++ b/include/configs/zipitz2.h
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@
 #include <config_cmd_default.h>
 
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_NET
+#undef	CONFIG_CMD_NFS
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_ENV
 #undef	CONFIG_CMD_IMLS
 #define	CONFIG_CMD_MMC
diff --git a/lib/Makefile b/lib/Makefile
index a8de3e1..ffdee7d 100644
--- a/lib/Makefile
+++ b/lib/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libgeneric.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libgeneric.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_ADDR_MAP) += addr_map.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_BZIP2) += bzlib.o
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/lib/libfdt/Makefile b/lib/libfdt/Makefile
index d6e2830..c965577 100644
--- a/lib/libfdt/Makefile
+++ b/lib/libfdt/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libfdt.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libfdt.o
 
 SOBJS	=
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/lib/lzma/Makefile b/lib/lzma/Makefile
index 57f03b0..4d3401d 100644
--- a/lib/lzma/Makefile
+++ b/lib/lzma/Makefile
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)liblzma.a
+LIB	= $(obj)liblzma.o
 
 SOBJS	=
 
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/lib/lzo/Makefile b/lib/lzo/Makefile
index 5dd1bf5..69bc839 100644
--- a/lib/lzo/Makefile
+++ b/lib/lzo/Makefile
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= $(obj)liblzo.a
+LIB	= $(obj)liblzo.o
 
 SOBJS	=
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 OBJS	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SOBJS) $(COBJS))
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/net/Makefile b/net/Makefile
index 216d1ec..0544f6b 100644
--- a/net/Makefile
+++ b/net/Makefile
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 # CFLAGS += -DDEBUG
 
-LIB	= $(obj)libnet.a
+LIB	= $(obj)libnet.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_NET)  += bootp.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_CMD_DNS)  += dns.o
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/post/Makefile b/post/Makefile
index 169d126..200e2f1 100644
--- a/post/Makefile
+++ b/post/Makefile
@@ -24,20 +24,20 @@
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB				= libpost.a
-GPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= libgenpost.a
+LIB				= libpost.o
+GPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= libgenpost.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= post.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_POST_STD_LIST)	+= tests.o
 
-SPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST) = drivers/libpostdrivers.a
+SPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST) = drivers/libpostdrivers.o
 SPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST) += $(shell if [ -d lib_$(ARCH) ]; then echo \
-			    "lib_$(ARCH)/libpost$(ARCH).a"; fi)
+			    "lib_$(ARCH)/libpost$(ARCH).o"; fi)
 SPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST) += $(shell if [ -d lib_$(ARCH)/fpu ]; then echo \
-			    "lib_$(ARCH)/fpu/libpost$(ARCH)fpu.a"; fi)
+			    "lib_$(ARCH)/fpu/libpost$(ARCH)fpu.o"; fi)
 SPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST) += $(shell if [ -d cpu/$(CPU) ]; then echo \
-			    "cpu/$(CPU)/libpost$(CPU).a"; fi)
+			    "cpu/$(CPU)/libpost$(CPU).o"; fi)
 SPLIB-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST) += $(shell if [ -d board/$(BOARD) ]; then echo \
-			    "board/$(BOARD)/libpost$(BOARD).a"; fi)
+			    "board/$(BOARD)/libpost$(BOARD).o"; fi)
 
 GPLIB	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(GPLIB-y))
 SPLIB	:= $(addprefix $(obj),$(SPLIB-y))
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@
 
 # generic POST library
 $(GPLIB): $(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 # specific POST libraries
 $(SPLIB): $(obj).depend postdeps
@@ -63,9 +63,7 @@
 
 # the POST lib archive
 $(LIB): $(GPLIB) $(SPLIB)
-	(echo create $(LIB); for lib in $(GPLIB) $(SPLIB) ; \
-	 do echo addlib $$lib; done; echo save) \
-	| $(AR) -M
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $^)
 
 #########################################################################
 
diff --git a/post/board/lwmon/Makefile b/post/board/lwmon/Makefile
index d2932be..83026c0 100644
--- a/post/board/lwmon/Makefile
+++ b/post/board/lwmon/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostlwmon.a
+LIB	= libpostlwmon.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= sysmon.o
 
diff --git a/post/board/lwmon5/Makefile b/post/board/lwmon5/Makefile
index 4e95515..b199688 100644
--- a/post/board/lwmon5/Makefile
+++ b/post/board/lwmon5/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 # MA 02111-1307 USA
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostlwmon5.a
+LIB	= libpostlwmon5.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= sysmon.o watchdog.o dspic.o fpga.o dsp.o gdc.o
 
diff --git a/post/board/netta/Makefile b/post/board/netta/Makefile
index 8a8578f..2d34dd8 100644
--- a/post/board/netta/Makefile
+++ b/post/board/netta/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostnetta.a
+LIB	= libpostnetta.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= codec.o dsp.o
 
diff --git a/post/board/pdm360ng/Makefile b/post/board/pdm360ng/Makefile
index d1538f6..d25b0d1 100644
--- a/post/board/pdm360ng/Makefile
+++ b/post/board/pdm360ng/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostpdm360ng.a
+LIB	= libpostpdm360ng.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= coproc_com.o
 
diff --git a/post/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile b/post/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile
index 86d8784..a8b7005 100644
--- a/post/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile
+++ b/post/cpu/mpc83xx/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostmpc83xx.a
+LIB	= libpostmpc83xx.o
 
 AOBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+=
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= ecc.o
diff --git a/post/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile b/post/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile
index 162924f..3e1792f 100644
--- a/post/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile
+++ b/post/cpu/mpc8xx/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostmpc8xx.a
+LIB	= libpostmpc8xx.o
 
 AOBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= cache_8xx.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= cache.o ether.o spr.o uart.o usb.o watchdog.o
diff --git a/post/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile b/post/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile
index 1cfd3bb..9220131 100644
--- a/post/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile
+++ b/post/cpu/ppc4xx/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(OBJTREE)/include/autoconf.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostppc4xx.a
+LIB	= libpostppc4xx.o
 
 AOBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= cache_4xx.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= cache.o
diff --git a/post/drivers/Makefile b/post/drivers/Makefile
index 0b6cdf5..0d87ae0 100644
--- a/post/drivers/Makefile
+++ b/post/drivers/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= libpostdrivers.a
+LIB	= libpostdrivers.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= i2c.o memory.o rtc.o
 
diff --git a/post/lib_powerpc/Makefile b/post/lib_powerpc/Makefile
index 0cd15cf..bc9b82e 100644
--- a/post/lib_powerpc/Makefile
+++ b/post/lib_powerpc/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= libpost$(ARCH).a
+LIB	= libpost$(ARCH).o
 
 AOBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= asm.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= cpu.o cmp.o cmpi.o two.o twox.o three.o threex.o
diff --git a/post/lib_powerpc/fpu/Makefile b/post/lib_powerpc/fpu/Makefile
index 25726db..b97ad6f 100644
--- a/post/lib_powerpc/fpu/Makefile
+++ b/post/lib_powerpc/fpu/Makefile
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 #
 include $(TOPDIR)/config.mk
 
-LIB	= libpost$(ARCH)fpu.a
+LIB	= libpost$(ARCH)fpu.o
 
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= fpu.o 20001122-1.o 20010114-2.o 20010226-1.o 980619-1.o
 COBJS-$(CONFIG_HAS_POST)	+= acc1.o compare-fp-1.o mul-subnormal-single-1.o
diff --git a/post/rules.mk b/post/rules.mk
index 1efc9c7..17f8ef7 100644
--- a/post/rules.mk
+++ b/post/rules.mk
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 all:	$(LIB)
 
 $(LIB):	$(obj).depend $(OBJS)
-	$(AR) $(ARFLAGS) $@ $(OBJS)
+	$(call cmd_link_o_target, $(OBJS))
 
 #########################################################################