Disclosed is a communications network element that is capable of routing signaling messages and also performing inter-network management functions in a converged telephony-data network environment. The articulation is arranged on at least one of the pliers parts between its ends. The body portion can adjust to the size and number of battery cells contained therein. The dice are encapsulated such that conductive elements are exposed through the encapsulant. Furthermore, respective values for the one or more selected variables within the subset of the set of variables may be assigned.