this invention teaches a method , and circuits that operate in accordance with the method , for adaptively controlling the transmitted power of a cdma transmitter . the method includes the steps of : presetting a register , such as a counter , with an estimate of a maximum transmitter gain signal , the counter having an count output that is a representation of a maximum transmitter gain signal ; deriving a transmitter gain signal from a received cdma signal ; comparing tx max to tx gain and , if tx gain is greater than tx max , applying a gain control signal to the transmitter that is derived from tx max , and enabling the counter to increase its count ; else , if tx gain is less than tx max , applying a gain control signal to the transmitter that is derived from tx gain , and disabling the counter from increasing its count .