[Editor's Note] Wave Incense is a company focused on practically solving EMI and EMC issues by combining instrument distribution with on-site technical support. This direction stems from the practical experience and philosophy of co-founder and CTO Kim Gwi-soo, who personally resolved EMI and EMC problems in the past. He cautions against wasting unnecessary external costs due to incorrect debugging methods and emphasizes the importance of precisely diagnosing core technical elements to present practical solutions that can be immediately applied in the field. Accordingly, this publication met with CTO Kim Gwi-soo to learn about Wave Incense's measurement capabilities, as well as the know-how he has accumulated in the field to solve EMI and EMC problems.



“We will bring a breath of fresh air to the EMC and EMI market with ‘problem-solving measurement technology support.’”

In a recent interview with this publication, Kim Gwi-soo, CTO of Wave Incense, stated that Wave Incense is a startup that aims to provide on-site problem-solving technical support, going beyond the simple distribution of measuring instruments.

CTO Kim Gwi-soo stated, “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues are the most difficult areas to resolve in the electronic product development process,” adding, “This is because it is not easy to identify the cause due to the invisible nature of electromagnetic waves, and various fields such as design, mechanics, and manufacturing are intertwined.”

Accordingly, Wave Incense stated that it has been advocating for the distribution of measuring instruments focused on technical support since its inception.

Kim Gwi-soo, CTO and a key member of Wave Incense, is known as an EMI and EMC expert, but he himself stated, “My major was RF filters, and I learned EMI by facing challenges in the field.”

Recalling his past experience of having to spend months in a chamber while resolving EMI issues at a medical device company, CTO Kim Gwi-soo emphasized the complexity of the problem, stating, "I practically lived in the chamber back then."

CTO Kim Gwi-soo said, “The turning point that opened my eyes to solving EMI problems was during my time at Samsung Medison.” "The experience of solving problems with in-depth technical support from Keysight staff at the time served as the foundation for establishing the company," he stated.

He said, “No matter how excellent a measuring instrument is, if there is no technical support to properly utilize it, you cannot use even 10% of it.”

This experience is the decisive reason why Wave Incense came to aim to be a 'problem-solving partner' rather than a mere measuring instrument seller.

Although Wave Incense has been established for less than a year, it has already established itself as the official distributor of major measuring instrument brands such as Siglent, Rigol, and Rohde & Schwarz (R&S).

It is particularly highly regarded in the field of RF-based network analyzers and highlights its technical support capabilities for EMI and EMC debugging as a strength.

CTO Kim Gwi-soo emphasized regarding the method for diagnosing EMI problems, “Theoretically, by looking at the frequency alone, one can determine whether it is a power issue, high-speed digital, or a multiple of the fundamental, but the one responsible for solving the problem is ultimately the developer.”

He added, “It would be presumptuous of me to claim that I take the lead in solving EMI issues. Most developers are already aware of the problem. I simply play the role of providing support when they lack confidence.”

He finds the essence of the EMI problem in 'fundamentals'.

In particular, ground continuity was cited as the most important factor in high-speed signal design.

If the return current has no way to return, it becomes radiation. "I have seen many cases where just securing the ground solves more than 60% of the problem," he emphasized.

In addition, the gap between designers and the mechanical and manufacturing teams was also pointed out as a major cause of EMI problems.

"Designers do not understand mechanics well, and the mechanics team finds it difficult to understand electronic design. A structure where they point fingers at each other repeats itself," he said, emphasizing the need for a convergent perspective that understands various fields.

Wave Incense also plans to provide AI-based technology support in the future.

CTO Kim Gwi-soo mentioned the possibility of automating technical support, stating, “An era will come where we collaborate by utilizing AI like employees.”

The final advice he wanted to give to developers was, surprisingly, 'cleaning'.

CTO Kim Gwi-soo stated, “If parts are not organized, you waste all your energy trying to find them. The basics are important,” and shared the experience of a world-renowned scholar cleaning a research lab in Japan every day.

Finally, CTO Kim Gwi-soo stated, “Back to the basics. The fundamentals are the most important. This message applies equally to solving EMI and EMC issues.” He added, “Beyond simply selling measuring instruments, Wave Incense will assist developers struggling with EMI and EMC problems as a technology partner that considers and resolves on-site issues together.”