The ESD sensitivity of a component is related to its inherent sensitivity, a function of the isolation layers within it, and the protection networks surrounding the sensitive part. Over the past ten years, the key measure for semi conductors, the gate width, has shrunk from around 1µm to pushing 0.15µm, and this trend is likely to continue, though perhaps at a decreasing rate. In consequence, the ESD sensitivity of semiconductors is likely to continue to increase. Other ESD sensitive structures, such as thin film sensors, are also getting smaller, lighter and consequently liable to damage with smaller electrostatic discharges.
Fortunately, the ability of designers to integrate effective protection mechanisms is improving, but this does not take away the need for everyone to be aware of ESD issues, in design as well as in manufacture – in particular, try and keep people, those major sources of ESD, well away from any circuitry!