Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A configuration for a reference signal used to determine a non-linear behavior of transmission components at a transmitting device may be determined. The configuration for the reference signal may be determined based on signaling transmitted by the transmitting device, signaling transmitted by a device that receives the reference signal, or both. Additionally, or alternatively, the configuration for the reference signal may be determined based on a configuration of other signals transmitted by the transmitting device prior to or concurrently with the transmission of the reference signal. The determined configuration may be used to generate and transmit the reference signal or to determine a configuration of a received reference signal. In both cases, a non-linear response of transmission components at the transmitting device may be determined based on the reference signal.