Nanopore array with electrode connectors protected from electrostatic discharge

A component configured to removably engage with a receiver, the component having:

• a substrate comprising a plurality of wells;
• a plurality of well electrodes, each one in a respective well of the plurality of wells;
• a common electrode outside of the wells and common to each well of the plurality of wells,
• wherein each well is configured to support a sensor including a membrane, wherein a membrane is formable across each well to separate fluid in the wells from a fluid outside of the wells, wherein the common electrode is configured to make electrical contact with a polar medium provided in each well of the plurality of wells;
• and
• an array of pads comprising an electrically conductive material and configured to removably connect with a corresponding array of connectors on the receiver;
• wherein each of the electrically conductive pads of the array is electrically connected via a respective via that passes through the substrate to a respective well electrode,
• wherein the component further comprises a conductive structure configured across the array of electrically conductive pads, wherein the conductive structure is configured as a grid and extends in a planar direction, defined by the substrate, between the electrically conductive pads of the array, such that an electrical connection can be made between the array of electrically conductive pads and the array of connectors on the receiver, and to inhibit an electrostatic discharge conducting across the wells and/or direct an electrostatic discharge away from the wells through the conductive structure, wherein the conductive structure includes a common pad that is connected to the common electrode.