Electronic component and utilization of a guard structure contained therein

In combination with an electronic component having a substrate, a dielectric layer disposed above the substrate and conductive surfaces disposed on the dielectric layer, a guard device for the electronic component, the guard device comprising:

• an electrically conductive guard structure disposed along an interspace region between the conductive surfaces and in a plane above the conductive surfaces such that the conductive surfaces are not completely covered by said guard structure, said guard structure defining strips extending obliquely in said interspace region relative to a direction in which said interspace region extends, said guard structure guarding against electrostatic discharge.