I want to design a schematic for an AM transceiver, starting from the transmitter...I am keeping in mind that the transmitter consists of 5 parts (correct me if I'm wrong!):
1) Mic/Line Input (should I include a mic-preamplifier?)
2) Oscillator (what kind should I use for this application?)
3) Mixer (can anyone advise me on something more specific?)
4) RF amplifier
5) Antenna
How would I go about starting the design process? How should I pick the circuits that are good for this application? Is there any help you could give me on this, any good resources to read?
1) You have several options, an op-amp is probably best.
2) LC oscillator is the simplist but if you want more accuracy then go for PLL and a crystal oscillator.
3) Can be incorperated into the oscillator.
4) This will need to be a linear amplifier so don't expect it to be very efficient. Another more efficient option is to build a class C amplifier and modulate the switched mode power supply (which is powering it) with the audio.