Automatic gain control method and device

An automatic gain control device for achieving a constant output signal by controlling a gain variable amplifying means according to a control signal which is generated based on a level of an output signal which is derived by variably amplifying an input signal, the device comprising:

• a detecting means which detects an amplified output signal;
• a control signal generating means which generates the control signal for the gain variable amplifying means based on a detected voltage signal obtained by the detecting means;
• a control signal holding means which holds the control signal;
• a signal level detecting means which detects a transmitting signal level from the input signal;
• a signal level holding means which holds the transmitting signal level;
• a comparing means which compares the transmitting signal level held at present execution of the gain control with the transmitting signal level held by the signal level holding means at preceding execution of the gain control;
• and
• a control signal outputting means which outputs the control signal held by the control signal holding means at preceding execution of the gain control to the gain variable amplifying means when the present control signal for a gain variable amplifier is lower in level than the preceding control signal for the gain variable amplifier and also the present transmitting signal level is reduced below the preceding transmitting signal level.