A mass data storage system includes a number of communicatively coupled storage drives powered by one or more power supplies. Shared control electronics selectively connect power and a data signal to a select storage drive via instructions within a control signal received by the common controller. Instructions for selectively powering and connecting the data signal are transmitted over a first signal path to a first controller of the shared electronics. Responsive to successful execution of the instructions, a drive access command is sent over a second different signal path to a second controller of the shared electronics.