Abstract: A method or system for managing signals to a circuit during initialization of the circuit ensures that the circuit does not receive signals before the circuit is initialized for such reception. The method or system maintains signals to the circuit in an initial condition while the circuit is uninitialized, and releases the initial condition following initialization of the circuit. The method or system is useful in “hot-swapping” circuit boards, for example, in communications systems or other applications because it enables non-hot-swappable (NHS) circuitry to be connected to the system without receiving signals from the system that adversely affect the NHS circuitry.