Complex modulated signals are used throughout modern communications systems. One method of analyzing such signals is through the use of statistical methods, notably probability functions. A free application note from Boonton Electronics (Parsippany, NJ), "Analysis of Complex Modulated Carriers Using Statistical Methods," explains how such functions can be used in conjunction with a digital peak power measurement system to study such complex signals.
The application note includes a simplified view of the example peak power measurement system, along with details on calibration methods for the system. The note also describes how statistical methods are applied at different sampling rates to arrive at a value of how often a specific power level occurs during a measurement. The literature explains these of probability distribution functions (PDFs), cumulative distribution functions (CDFs), and complementary CDFs (CCDFs) and how they can be used for different modulation formats. The six-page application note is available for free download from the company's web site.
Boonton --> http://lists.planetee.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/eA0JtlqC0Gth0BJTb0Ah