A radio frequency output power control system for use in communication systems is disclosed. The power control system is used for a modulation scheme having a non-constant amplitude envelope and comprises a power amplifier having a power amplifier input for receiving an input signal with a non-constant amplitude envelope, a power control input for receiving a power control input, and a power amplifier output for providing an amplified output signal. The power control system also includes a track and hold circuit for tracking a measured reference power signal that is representative of a modulation of the input signal, and subtraction means for subtracting an output of the track and hold circuit from the measured reference power signal to provide a difference signal that is coupled to the power control input.