Automatic model type selection with heterogeneous evolution: An application to RF circuit block modeling

Many complex, real world phenomena are difficult to study directly using controlled experiments. Instead, the use of computer simulations has become commonplace as a cost effective alternative. However, regardless of Moore's law, performing high fidelity simulations still requires a great investment of time and money. Surrogate modeling (metamodeling) has become indispensable as an alternative solution for relieving this burden. Many surrogate model types exist (Support Vector Machines, Kriging, RBF models, Neural Networks,...) but no type is optimal in all circumstances. Nor is there any hard theory available that can help make this choice. The same is true for setting the surrogate model parameters (Bias - Variance trade-off). Traditionally, the solution to both problems has been a pragmatic one, guided by intuition, prior experience or simply available software packages. In this paper we present a more founded approach to these problems. We describe an adaptive surrogate modeling environment, driven by speciated evolution, to automatically determine the optimal model type and complexity. Its utility and performance is presented on a case study from electronics.