Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing a novel integrated programmable gain amplifier (“PGA”) and protection circuit. In various embodiments, a circuit is provided that comprises: a PGA, an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”), and a protection circuit all disposed on the same semiconductor chip. The PGA is configured to receive as input a wireless signal received from an antenna and to output, at its output, an amplified wireless signal based on the wireless signal being amplified by a programmable gain amount. The protection circuit is configured to, in response to detecting a spike in gain at the output of the PGA that exceeds a threshold amplitude, control a decrease in the programmable gain amount to cause a resultant signal at the output of the PGA to be below the threshold amplitude. A normally-open switch may also be added at differential outputs of the PGA to further clamp PGA output.