A controller enables the integration of a DC-DC converter in an amplitude modulation power control loop in a mobile handset. The controller includes an input conditioner and an event sensor. The input conditioner uses a peak detector to track the output of a regulator and responds to available baseband input signals. The event sensor controls a switch that connects the DC-DC converter to a battery in response to a bypass event. The controller bypasses the DC-DC-converter when a transmitter is not enabled. The DC-DC converter is enabled prior to a transmission burst. A target voltage is determined from a series of detected peak voltages from the output of the regulator. The controller commands the DC-DC converter to transition to the target voltage until the end of a transmission burst.