Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive MEMS device comprising a first electrode lying in a plane, and a second electrode suspended above the first electrode and movable with respect to the first electrode. The first electrode functions as an actuation electrode. A gap is present between the first electrode and the second electrode. A third electrode is placed intermediate the first and second electrode with the gap between the third electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode has one or a plurality of holes therein, preferably in an orderly or irregular array. An aspect of the present invention integration of a conductive, e.g. metallic grating as a middle (or third) electrode. An advantage of the present invention is that it can reduce at least one problem of the prior art. This advantage allows an independent control over the pull-in and release voltage of a switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive MEMS device comprising a first electrode lying in a plane, and a second electrode suspended above the first electrode and movable with respect to the first electrode. The first electrode functions as an actuation electrode. A gap is present between the first electrode and the second electrode. A third electrode is placed intermediate the first and second electrode with the gap between the third electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode has one or a plurality of holes therein, preferably in an orderly or irregular array. An aspect of the present invention integration of a conductive, e.g. metallic grating as a middle (or third) electrode. An advantage of the present invention is that it can reduce at least one problem of the prior art. This advantage allows an independent control over the pull-in and release voltage of a switch.