Synchronizing to GSM RF downlink signal frame timing

A method of synchronizing to GSM RF downlink signal frame timing includes acquiring a continuous sample data record from a base RF channel (BCCH) of the RF downlink signal that encompasses multiple frames of the GSM RF downlink signal to guarantee inclusion of synchronization frames. The location of a frequency correction burst within the sample data record is searched for and, once the frequency correction burst location is found, a synchronization burst is searched for within a limited time range about a predicted location to determine a precise indication of frame location. With frames precisely located, data may be extracted from any desired slot of the frames from the continuous sample data record, or of frames in a continuous sample data record acquired from a related measurement channel, for further measurement processing.