An RF PA system that generates its own local characterization information. The RF PA system includes a PA to generate a RF output signal from a RF input signal, the PA powered by a supply voltage. A characterization block generates characterization information corresponding to a relationship between the supply voltage and performance (e.g., gain, power efficiency, distortion, receive band noise) of the RF PA system for a plurality of levels of one or more operating conditions (e.g., temperature, operating frequency, modulation format, antennae mismatch, etc.) of the RF PA system. An amplitude estimator block estimates an amplitude of the RF input signal. A supply control block generates a supply voltage control signal for controlling the supply voltage based on the characterization information and the amplitude of the RF input signal.