A multipoint data collection system (Fig. 1) uses multiple parallel data buses (12) connecting a central controller (10) to addressable sensor interfaces (Fig. 4) to permit any sensor (14-16) to be connected to a central controller (10) over any one of the data buses (12). Both ends of each data bus (12) are connected to the central controller (10), allowing sensor interfaces (Fig. 4) to be addressed even if all data buses are cut. Faults on a data bus (12) and defective sensor interfaces (Fig. 4) may be bypassed through one or more bypass buses (406) that may be addressably switched into use as desired.