A method is considered for the identification of linear parametric mod
els based on a least squares identification criterion that is formulat
ed in the frequency domain. To this end, use is made of the empirical
transfer function estimate (ETFE), identified from time-domain data. A
s a parametric model structure use is made of a finite expansion seque
nce in terms of recently introduced generalized basis functions, being
generalizations of the classical pulse and Laguerre and Kautz types o
f bases. An asymptotic analysis of the estimated models is provided an
d conditions for consistency are formulated. Explicit and transparent
bias and variance expressions are established, the latter ones also va
lid in a situation of undermodeling.