An aggregate link system is provided with cooperating link aggregation member devices defining a link aggregation. The bags are flat on top and are relatively wide at the bottom. The butt joints can be optimized independently from the active regions thus improving yield. If a low noise thermal sensor has NETD no greater than 50 \u03bcK over such a bandwidth range, a low noise output circuitry connected to its thermistor can provide an electrical output signal that includes information about input thermal signal peaks with amplitude of approximately 100 \u03bcK. The slots may be formed directly in the body of the rod or in a sleeve that slides over and covers the body portion. The card-like portable article further comprises an interface for converting commands in accordance with the first communication protocol into commands in accordance with a second communication protocol and vice versa.