The journey to automated design optimization and a vision for the future

This paper highlights milestones and setbacks in the exciting personal journey from the first special issue of the IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques on Computer-Oriented Microwave Practices, edited by William J. Getsinger, an early visionary in this field, to today's mainstream acceptance of surrogates, surrogate models and space mapping technology in the tuning and design optimization of complex structures to electromagnetic accuracy. Some design automation features and aspirations that had been imagined throughout this period, but have yet to be implemented, need to be seriously revisited, particularly as the focus turns to multiphysics modeling and design. The adoption of physically-based surrogates, space mapping technology, and the refinement of feature-based and cognition-driven approaches take on a new urgency.