Introduction In the past, RF and microwave components destined for analog systems have been tested using single or multiple continuous wave (CW) signals to characterize their performance and evaluate distortion. The prolif- eration of digital modulationtechniques in wireless communications has demanded new types of mesure- ments requiring a digitally modulated stimulus and the ability to analyze the device’s response. As third- generation systems such as W-CDMA and cdma2000 evolve, and performance requirements become tighter, these measurements have become more important. This article will discuss these measurements, and applications of these measurements in design verifica- tion and troubleshooting.