A survey of SAW devices is presented including delay lines, frequency filters, oscillators, matched filters, and Fourier transformers. Application of these devices to signal processing is discussed. Progress in the design of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices for signal processing in electronic systems is reviewed. Basic information on SAW phenomena and surface-wave structures common to SAW devices are covered, including reflecting array structures, multistrip couplers, waveguides, and apodization and weighting techniques. SAW signal processing devices reviewed include delay lines (fixed, tapped, untapped, variable) and memories, frequency filters, SAW oscillators, matched filters (pulse compressors, programmable correlators), Fourier transformers and convolvers. SAW device applications in signal processing include: correlation techniques, chirp transformation, spectral analysis (using filter banks, dispersive delay-line discriminators, compressive receivers), radar clutter suppression, delay-line cancellers, and applications in EMC, miniature radars, and ATC. Avenues of further applications open to systems engineers familiarizing themselves with SAW potentialities are indicated.