A digital detector processes at least one received digital signal to generate a squared signal, encodes the squared signal, applies first and second portions of the encoded signal to a multiplier and a look-up element, respectively, and processes outputs of the multiplier and look-up element to generate a detector output signal representative of a power level of the received digital signal. In an illustrative embodiment, the digital detector is configured so as to exhibit a waveform dependence substantially the same as that of an analog logarithmic amplifier detector. The digital detector and analog logarithmic amplifier detector are utilizable in a closed-loop gain control arrangement for providing a desired gain for a signal path of a base station transmitter in a wireless communication system.