A structure and method for creating an integrated circuit passivation structure comprising, a circuit, a dielectric, and metal plates over which an insulating layer is disposed that electrically isolates the circuit, and a discharge layer that is deposited to form the passivation structure that protects the circuit from electrostatic discharges caused by, e.g., a finger, is disclosed. The discharge layer additionally contains dopants selectively deposited to increase electrostatic discharge carrying capacity while maintaining overall sensing resolution.