Differential evolution design of an IIR-filter

The task of designing an 18 parameter IIR-filter (IIR=infinite impulse response) which has to meet tight specifications for both magnitude response and group delay is investigated. This problem is usually tackled by specialized design methods and requires an expert in digital signal processing for its solution. The use of the general purpose minimization method differential evolution (DE), however, allows filter design with a minimum knowledge of digital filters.