A digital method for the measurement and characterization of Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM) equipment is presented here. The method, ba
sed on the use of time-frequency representations, shows itself suitable to
carry out a whole range of measurements needed for compliance tests both fo
r base stations and mobiles. It is so possible to avoid the employment of d
ifferent instruments, complex procedures, and qualified users. Some aspects
regarding GSM measurements are first presented to clearly describe the ope
rative stages of the method. Then, its performance is assessed by analyzing
reference signals. Experimental results obtained from the application of t
he method to actual GSM signals are finally given.