This article describes a low‐power RF front‐end for digital video broadcasting–satellite services to handhelds (2.17–2.2 GHz) implemented in UMC CMOS 90‐nm process. This receiver includes a resistive feedback low‐noise amplifier and a double‐balanced Gilbert mixer. Measurements show a conversion gain of 24.1 dB, a 3‐dB noise figure, an input return loss of −11.9 dB, and an output compression point of −2.2 dBm. This combination draws 12.4 mW from a 1.2 V supply. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:528–531, 2014