EMC Test Equipment Innovations Streamline Certification Processes

 

The global electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding and test equipment market is on a steady growth trajectory, reflecting the world’s growing dependence on electronics, electric mobility, and advanced communication technologies. Valued at US$ 9.5 billion in 2023, the industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2034, ultimately reaching US$ 17.0 billion by 2034. This momentum is being driven by two powerful trends: the booming demand for consumer electronics and the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

 

Analyst Viewpoint

Analysts emphasize that EMC shielding has become indispensable for ensuring the reliability and safety of modern electronic devices. With the proliferation of interconnected technologies, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and medical devices, preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a top priority for manufacturers.

EMC shielding safeguards sensitive signals from external disturbances while preventing stronger signals from interfering with nearby equipment. Meanwhile, EMC test equipment allows engineers to measure, validate, and certify product compliance with stringent regulatory standards. The combination of these two solutions ensures optimal performance across industries ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace and healthcare.

Key players are also investing heavily in R&D initiatives. The development of military-grade EMC shielding solutions, along with testing systems for renewable energy infrastructure, showcases how vendors are broadening their portfolios to meet the evolving demands of diverse industries.

 

Market Scenario and Technology Landscape

Electromagnetic compatibility equipment typically encompasses printed circuit board (PCB) elements such as IC chips, connectors, and cables. Shielding materials—including metallic foils, elastomers, coatings, and conductive polymers—absorb or block unwanted interference.

EMC test instruments, on the other hand, measure levels of EMI in a given environment. Popular tools include spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, RF power meters, transient generators, and anechoic chambers. These devices help companies ensure compliance with international standards, especially as governments tighten regulations around safety and performance.

In the healthcare sector, shielding ensures that sensitive diagnostic and monitoring equipment is not disrupted by electromagnetic signals. In automotive, EMC test solutions are used extensively to evaluate EV performance. Similarly, the aerospace and defense sectors deploy advanced shielding to safeguard mission-critical communication and navigation systems.

 

Market Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Consumer Electronics

The consumer electronics industry remains the backbone of EMC demand. Devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearables rely on EMC shielding to maintain functionality and compliance. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and work-from-home trends are fueling this demand.

For instance, the U.S. consumer electronics sector surpassed US$ 487 billion in sales in 2021, while mobile connections in the U.K. reached 71.8 million in 2022, outpacing the population. This explosion of connected devices underscores the urgent need for robust EMC protection and testing.

2. Growing Adoption of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles incorporate numerous electronic subsystems, from battery management systems and infotainment units to motor controllers and charging systems. Each of these generates electromagnetic fields, which, if not properly shielded, can interfere with each other and external devices.

EMC shielding ensures the smooth functioning of EVs while maintaining compliance with stringent safety regulations. Adoption is surging: in Germany, EVs accounted for 20% of total car sales in 2022, while China represented nearly 60% of global EV purchases. This trend will continue to be a major growth driver for the EMC market through 2034.

 

Regional Outlook

The Asia Pacific region emerged as the leading market in 2023 and is poised to maintain its dominance. Rapid industrialization, a booming electronics manufacturing sector, and widespread deployment of 5G networks are fueling growth in countries such as China, Japan, and India.

China alone had 278 million privately owned vehicles in 2022 and leads globally in EV adoption. The rise of connected and smart cars in Asia Pacific, coupled with strong government support for domestic manufacturing, further cements the region’s leadership position.

In Europe, strong EV penetration and stringent regulatory frameworks on EMC compliance are propelling steady market expansion. North America, with its advanced defense and aerospace industries, also remains a significant contributor.

 

Competitive Landscape

The EMC shielding and test equipment market is highly competitive, with global players focusing on innovation, acquisitions, and product diversification. Leading companies include:

• 3M
• Esco Technologies Inc.
• Henkel Adhesives Technologies
• Holland Shielding Systems BV
• Keysight Technologies
• Laird Performance Materials
• Parker-Hannifin
• PPG Industries
• Rohde & Schwarz
• Schaffner Holding AG
• TE Connectivity

Recent developments highlight the industry’s push toward innovation. In November 2023, AMETEK CTS launched the CDN 3063A-C100.1, a switchable three-phase coupling network that reduces costs and streamlines testing. Similarly, PPG Industries expanded its Brazilian powder coatings facility in September 2023, boosting capacity by 40% to meet growing demand.

 

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the EMC shielding and test equipment market is expected to grow steadily as industries grapple with rising device complexity and stricter compliance requirements. Consumer electronics, EVs, healthcare devices, and aerospace applications will remain key growth pillars.

Emerging opportunities lie in renewable energy systems, where EMC solutions are critical for smooth integration of solar inverters and wind turbines into power grids. The rise of autonomous vehicles and IoT ecosystems will further accelerate the need for advanced shielding and testing technologies.

By 2034, as the market touches US$ 17.0 billion, companies that focus on sustainability, miniaturization, and high-performance shielding materials will be best positioned to capitalize on this expansion.

 

Conclusion

The global EMC shielding and test equipment market is undergoing a period of significant transformation. With the dual push from consumer electronics growth and EV adoption, the industry is not just expanding—it is evolving to meet the demands of a highly connected, electrified, and digital world.

Asia Pacific will remain the epicenter of this transformation, while global players continue to innovate and scale operations. By 2034, EMC solutions will be even more critical, underpinning technologies that define modern life—from smartphones to self-driving cars, medical diagnostics to renewable energy grids.