Abstract
This work presents a procedure to automate the design of Si-integrated radio frequency (RF) discrete tuning varactors (RFDTVs). The synthesis method, which is based on evolutionary algorithms, searches for optimum performance RF switched capacitor array circuits that fulfill the design restrictions. The design algorithm uses the c-dominance concept and the maximin sorting scheme to provide a set of different Solutions (circuits) well distributed along an optimal front in the parameter space (circuit size and component values). Since all the solutions present the same performance, the designer call Select the circuit that is best suited to be implemented in a particular integration technology. To assess the performance of the synthesis procedure, several RFDTV circuits, provided by the algorithm, were designed and simulated rising a 0.18 mu m CMOS technology and the Cadence Virtuoso Design Platform. The comparisons between the algorithm and circuit; simulation results show that they are very close, pointing out that; the proposed design procedure is a powerful design tool.

Abstract
This paper presents an automated design procedure of radio-frequency integrated CMOS discrete timing varactors (RFDTVs). This new method use the maximin and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms to promote well distributed non-dominated fronts in the parameters space when a single-objective function is optimized. The fitness function used in the search tool is proportional to the RFDTV quality factor. The outcome of the automated design method comprises a set of RFDTV circuits, all having the same maximum performance. Each solution, which corresponds to one RFDTV circuit, is defined by the number of cells and by the circuit components values. This approach allows the designer to choose among several possible circuits the one that is easier to implement in a given CMOS process. To validate the effectiveness of the synthesis procedure proposed in this paper (PSO-method) comparisons with a design method based on genetic algorithms (GA-method) are presented. A 0.18 mu m CMOS radio-frequency binary-weighted differential switched capacitor array (RFDSCA) was designed and implemented (the RFDSCA is one of the possible topologies of the RFDTVs). The results show that both design methods are in very good agreement. However, the PSO technique outperforms the GA-method in the design procedure run time taken to accomplish the same performance results.

Abstract
A novel variant of a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is reported. The proposed multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is based on the maximin technique previously proposed for a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The technique is applied to optimize two types of problems: firth to a set of benchmark functions and second to the design of PID controllers regarding the classical design objectives of set-point tracking and output disturbance rejection.

Abstract
This paper presents a tool for automating the design of road tunnels lighting systems. The tunnel lighting system must guarantee some minimal luminance values in order to ensure a easy driving and visual perception. The lights distribution, in different tunnel zones, is obtained in the proposed technique by using a genetic algorithm. The developed software framework automatically selects the best light type and its localization, according to a specified design objective, along the tunnel independently of the light manufacturer. © 2009 IEEE.

Abstract
Vehicles rely on the efficiency of dampers to dissipate energy from the motion of vehicle body and wheels, maintaining the vehicle more stable, and improving the contact between tires and the road surface. To achieve an effective monitoring of dampers (or shock absorbers), two different methodologies, capable of assessing, under vehicle normal operation, the condition of the automotive dampers are presented. The proposed methodologies are based in acceleration, temperature and pressure sensing to determine the shock absorber condition, and are therefore suitable for future implementation in low cost fabrication technologies. The results shown that it is possible to have an effective monitoring device, installed in the damper body, capable of continuously determining shock absorber status, and therefore enabling real time diagnosis. Such a diagnosis system can reduce the number of vehicles riding with defective suspension systems and increase the overall vehicle safety.

Abstract
A fabricated micro-mechanical sensor to assess the condition of automotive shock absorbers is presented. The monolithic sensor, measures the oil temperature, acceleration and internal pressure of the shock absorber. A dual mass accelerometer with optimized beam geometry is used for acceleration readout. In addition, a 23.1 mu m thickness square membrane and two buried resistors are used for pressure and temperature sensing respectively. The proposed miniaturized sensor can be effectively integrated with standard single- and dual-tube shock absorbers. The data acquired during normal vehicle operation can be continuously used to monitor the condition of the shock absorbers, allowing shock absorbers to be replaced before their degradation significantly reduce the comfort, performance and safety of the vehicle.