A "piano"-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally
mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle
portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width
less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these
"piano" MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally
mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap
therebetween. In a preferred embodiment the range of angular motion of a
MEMs device's platform is increased by reducing the field strength, i.e.
the force per unit area, that is sensed at the outer free ends of the
platform. Ideally two-step electrodes are provided with a lower step
positioned beneath the outer free end of the platform.