This article presents a very efficient technique for the design of filters in substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The proposed design approach is based on the combined use of equivalent circuit models of SIW discontinuities and a "calibrated" space-mapping optimization technique. The effectiveness of this design technique is demonstrated through some examples. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals. Inc Int J RF and Microwave CAE 20.689-698. 2010