An encoder includes a housing, a light source coupled to the housing, and a light sensor coupled to the housing and positioned to receive a light beam from the light source. The interconnections are formed in recesses sized and shaped to receive and contain approximately 10% to 50%, and preferably about 30%, of the total height of each solder ball within its associated interconnection. In one preferred embodiment, the fuel processing system includes a steam reforming reactor that is at least partially filled with thermal transmitters which receive electromagnetic energy and generate heat within the steam reforming reactor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards.