a monolithic capacitance - type microstructure includes a semiconductor substrate , a plurality of posts extending from the surface of the substrate , a bridge suspended from the posts , and an electrically - conductive , substantially stationary element anchored to the substrate . the bridge includes an element that is laterally movable with respect to the surface of the substrate . the substantially stationary element is positioned relative to the laterally movable element such that the laterally movable element and the substantially stationary element form a capacitor . circuitry is disposed on the substrate and operationally coupled to the movable element and the substantially stationary element for processing a signal based on a relative positioning of the movable element and the substantially stationary element . a method for fabricating the microstructure and the circuitry is disclosed .