This article presents the steps needed to carry out a theoretical analysis on the noise performance for a high-speed wide bandwidth signal chain. Although a specific signal chain is chosen for the analysis, the steps highlighted can be considered valid for any type of signal chain. The analysis shows how simple math can be used to describe all noise contributions. Gaining an understanding of how each block contributes to the overall noise allows the designer to appropriately modify the design (for example, choice of components) to optimize its noise performance.