I know it's crazy to build one, but I have found a great new project to
start.  A spectrum analyzer.  The first one I build will probably work from
0~200 MHz.  I have designed an excellent PLL that delivers quite acceptable
performance.

The part I am having to think about is how to accurately measure the final
dB signal level. Here is the situation:

For those of you into RF: The analyzer is a built as a AM receiver with a
455kHz final IF.

Should I run the IF into a Full wave rectifier, filter it, then feed the
voltage to the PIC via a high-res D/A?

    -or-

Should I run the IF into a half wave rectifier, then to the D/A, and let the
PIC analyze the "Pulse" to determine it's maximum voltage?

Or am I going about this wrong?  I just want to know the amplitide of a
455kHz signal, with precision.

Anthony
zarthrag@intcon.net