Abstract: A test assembly comprises a backplane interface to a backplane having at least one channel that further comprises a bi-directional two wire bus, a display interface capable of coupling to a display, and a control element. The control element is coupled to the backplane interface and the display interface. The control element is capable of snooping the bi-directional two wire bus and converting data on the bi-directional two wire bus to a readable format for display via the display interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide redundant power by connecting power supplies in a segment or ring. In a first embodiment, a redundant power supply is provided at the "top" of a redundant power segment, with one or more computer devices coupled "beneath" the redundant power supply. If the power supply of any device fails, that device "borrows" power from the device immediately upstream in the redundant power segment. If the power supply of the device immediately upstream in the redundant power segment no longer has sufficient capacity to power its own circuits, that device borrows power form the device immediately upstream from it. This process may continue until the power requirements of all devices are met by the excess capacities of all power supplies in devices upstream from the device with the failing power supply, or until the redundant power supply is reached.