A simple method is developed for analysis of rf SQU1Ds operating in the hysteretic mode, for arbitrary values of rf detuning and plateau number. For plateaus with large numbers, the reactive component of the interferometer flux is shown to be essential. The results of theoretical analysis are confirmed by experiments with a 10 kHz point-con-tact SQUID. The new method is applied to studies of a SQUID with a separate coil for driving flux. The response curve slope in such SQUID can be somewhat larger than that in the conventional of Squid The balanced SQUID circuits are also discussed. © 1979 IEEE