Pronunciation: [ɡˈɑːd ɹˈɪŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of "guard ring" follows the standard English pronunciation rules. The word consists of two syllables: "guard" and "ring". The first syllable contains the vowel sound /ɡɑːrd/ (as in "hard"), followed by the consonant sound /d/. The second syllable contains the vowel sound /rɪŋ/ (as in "king"), followed by the consonant sound /ŋ/ (as in "sing"). Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "guard ring" is /ˈɡɑːrd rɪŋ/.
Guard ring is a term used in electronics engineering and integrated circuit design to reference a protective structure or feature that surrounds sensitive components on a chip. It is a conductive ring, typically made of the same material as the components it is guarding, such as silicon or metal, and is placed around a specific region or component on a circuit to prevent external interference or leakage currents.
The primary purpose of a guard ring is to minimize or eliminate the detrimental effects of parasitic capacitance and leakage. It does this by surrounding the sensitive area with a conductive barrier that carries a voltage equal to that of the component being guarded. This setup creates a uniform electric field, preventing any potential disturbances or stray currents from affecting the component.
Guard rings are commonly employed in analog and mixed-signal circuits to ensure accuracy and reliability, particularly in areas where low-level signals or high impedance components are present. By effectively isolating the sensitive components, the guard ring significantly reduces the risk of signal degradation, noise distortion, and cross-talk.
Furthermore, guard rings serve as a method of preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging sensitive circuits. The conductive ring acts as a grounded shield, diverting any excess electrical charge and protecting the internal components from ESD events.
In summary, a guard ring is a protective structure placed around sensitive components in an electronic circuit to counteract parasitic capacitance, leakage currents, and external interference. It ensures the integrity and performance of the circuit by maintaining a uniform electric field and acting as a safeguard against electrostatic discharge.
The word "guard ring" is a compound noun formed from the word "guard" and "ring".
The term "guard" originated from the Old French word "guarder", which means "to watch, protect, or keep". It can be traced back to the Frankish word "wardon", meaning "to watch" and the Proto-Germanic word "wardōną". "Guard" is related to words like "warden" and "ward" which also carry the connotation of protection and surveillance.
The word "ring" comes from the Old English word "hring", which means "a circular band or ornament". It has ancient roots, with cognates found in Old Norse ("hringr") and Old High German ("hring").
