Method and apparatus for precision gain control for amplified signals

An automatic gain control circuit (100) provides precision gain control for amplified signals. An offset generator (130) generates an offset signal (132) from an output signal (108) of a variable gain amplifier, shifted according to a target signal level, and another offset signal (134) according to a base signal (106). A pulse train generator (140) compares the offset signals (108, 106) and provides a pulse train signal (142) having a particular energy content. A feedback signal (172) based on the particular energy content of the pulse train signal (142) is used to adjust the gain of the variable amplifier (110).