In one embodiment, an electronic system comprises a first backplane for distributing timing signals, power, and control signals to electronic circuitry coupled to the first backplane, wherein the first backplane comprises a first clock module for generating the timing signals, a second backplane for distributing timing signals, power, and control signals to electronic circuitry coupled to the second backplane, wherein the second backplane comprises a second clock module for generating the timing signals, and an electrical connector coupling the first clock module to the second clock module for communication of a timing signal, wherein the first clock module comprises a circuit for detecting the presence of the electrical connector, the first clock module providing the timing signal to an output port coupled to the electrical connector in response to the circuit, and the second clock module synchronizes to the timing signal communicated via the electrical connector.