Abstract: A system for determining an order of electronic components in a downhole string includes a plurality of electronic components connected in series by a conductor and forming a series of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components including a master electronic component. For each electronic component in the series of electronic components, the controller is configured to detect a power direction, where the power direction is an uphole power direction when power from the power supply is received at an uphole side of the electronic component, and is a downhole power direction when power is received at a downhole side of the electronic component. The controller is configured to send a message through the conductor including an indicator indicating the power direction, and the master electronic component is configured to receive the message and determine an order of electronic components in the series of electronic components based on the indicator.