Best way to do competitive analysis for a niche chip segment?

For niche chip segments, I'd skip the broad databases and go straight to patent filings on Google Patents or USPTO — competitors show up fast when you search by IPC codes specific to your segment. Also worth pulling exhibitor lists from targeted trade shows like Hot Chips or embedded world, since the niche players always show up there. LinkedIn boolean searches filtering by job titles + specific chip terminology can also surface smaller competitors the big databases miss.