A system and method is disclosed for providing multi-point calibration of an adaptive voltage scaling system. Preferably, the frame, which includes a scoop, a throat, and sidewalls, includes energy absorbing elements positioned proximate to the throat and along the sidewalls of the frame. Each side wall is joined to two adjacent side walls to form a perimeter wall. The pressure-bearing unit provides a slot for being penetrated with the buckling element. A developer obtains the design guidelines appropriate for a given operational characteristic when the answers entered by the developer with regard to that operational characteristic are used to determine one of the elements in the category array.