EMC and Wireless Testing in Germany and Worldwide

EMC and Wireless Testing in Germany and Worldwide

In a world filled with smartphones, connected cars, medical devices and smart appliances, supporting optimal electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless performance to minimize interference between electronic products is critical.  

To understand why EMC matters and how industry demand is evolving, we spoke with Joaquin Gomez Serrano, senior product services specialist at UL Solutions, to gain insights about the benefits of EMC testing and the company’s newly announced state‑of‑the‑art laboratory in Neu‑Isenburg, Germany.

Why is EMC testing more important than ever?

EMC testing provides a foundation for evaluating if devices coexist safely and reliably in real world environment. Every product, whether it’s a medical infusion pump, a component part of industrial machinery, or even your home Wi Fi router, must operate reliably in an environment filled with electromagnetic interference.

The challenges EMC testing addresses are very real. Devices today generate emissions that can unintentionally disrupt other devices. These unwanted disturbances, known as electromagnetic interference (EMI), can cause anything from minor performance hiccups to serious system failures. That’s why many countries require EMC compliance before a product can be placed on the market.

EMC testing helps uncover hidden design issues early and supports manufacturers in launching safer products worldwide.

Why the focus on enriching testing capacity for the European region?

We understand that manufacturers often prefer to witness EMC and wireless testing in person, so it’s critical to invest in building out laboratory infrastructure in our existing Center of Excellence at Neu-Isenburg, Germany, located just outside of Frankfurt.

Currently, this location features extensive safety and performance testing services, but this expansion will help accelerate energy transition, enable connected data ecosystems and support next-generation mobility, while also offering services to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

This facility fills a regional gap, as many European manufacturers have struggled to find local testing options for large-scale equipment. This Center of Excellence will feature:

• A 10‑meter chamber large enough for equipment up to four meters long, weighing up to five tons.
• Wireless testing capabilities covering, for example, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, GPS, RFID and radar.
• Support for products across multiple sectors, including industrial, appliances, medical, consumer products, automotive and telecommunications.

This facility will support Europe’s evolving industries, including energy transition, next-generation mobility and connected ecosystems. As regulations change and new standards are developed, we can help our customers compete in sectors where safety and reliability are non‑negotiable.

The Neu-Isenberg expansion is projected to be operational by mid-2027, complementing our EMC and wireless facilities operating in Asia, North America and Europe.

Could you elaborate on how UL Solutions supports EMC and wireless safety across global markets?

We play a crucial role in helping manufacturers understand, predict and mitigate risks in environments crowded with electronics. Our team supports manufacturers throughout the compliance process so they can understand if their products meet market-specific EMC requirements and can run smoothly before they reach consumers.

UL Solutions provides EMC services across a wide range of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial devices and medical equipment. These highly regulated industries must meet strict standards such as IEC 60601-1-2, while wireless devices must showcase compliance with ETSI EN 301 489-17.

With more than 30 years in EMC and wireless testing and certification, UL Solutions staff know how to optimize complex testing programs without making the process feel overwhelming. Our teams understand product development challenges so we can help customers identify areas of improvement, avoid costly mistakes and get to market faster.

For example, EMC and wireless pre-compliance testing can help identify issues early in the design process, prior to full-scale testing at the final phase. This incremental approach can spot EMC-related flaws stage by stage and help avoid costly redesigns of finished goods.

What’s next in terms of UL Solutions, EMC and wireless safety?  

From constantly evolving our EMC and wireless testing services to making ongoing infrastructure developments like the Neu-Isenberg expansion, UL Solutions is showcasing commitment to supporting European innovation in all industry sectors. We are committed to helping customers build safer, more reliable products. and  comprehensive EMC and wireless testing is essential for trust in the technology we use every day.”

To learn more, visit https://www.ul.com/services/testing/emc-testing.

Joaquin Gomez Serrano is a senior product services specialist for EMC and wireless, Consumer, Medical and Information Technologies (CMIT) at UL Solutions business. Since joining the company in 2015, he has worked to advance services and business strategy in partnership, supporting technical and commercial teams.