A control arrangement for a brake system having a plurality of electrically-controlled hydraulic valves includes a primary electronic control unit (“ECU”) including a primary microcontroller for selectively providing at least one of electrical power and a control signal in a normal non-failure braking mode. A secondary ECU is electrically connected to the primary ECU via a power connector and a controller area network (“CAN”) communication bus. The secondary ECU obtains electrical power from a wiring system of a vehicle associated with the brake system. A backup microcontroller is associated with a chosen one of the primary and secondary ECUs, receiving electrical power and a control signal from the secondary ECU. The backup microcontroller selectively provides at least one of electrical power and a control signal in a backup braking mode responsive to the control signal from the secondary ECU.