An overview of the measurement of electrical quantities from 1979 to 2002

In the last few years measurements of electrical quantities have shown a noticeable trend especially toward a more and more wide range of frequencies. To understand this trend may be useful to know the history of a Technical Committee on “Measurement of Electrical Quantities”, the IMEKO TC4, history which is also a significant part of my life. I hope the reader will learn not only of the sequence of dates, but also of the humanity and commitment of the founding members, of the joys and difficulties that arise within a Technical Committee, and finally of the friendship among people from the entire world. The paper provides a survey of the TC4 life from 1979 to 2002, reporting on the Symposia, the Workshops and the round tables organized in that period. The most important events are mentioned with special reference to the historical context relevant to the measurement of electrical quantities. That period was crucial for the TC4 activities in the following years.

► The paper deals with the history of IMEKO TC4.
► How did it all begin?
► Theoretical and practical aspects of electrical and electronic measurements are considered.
► The scientific research is broken down as an inviting road toward the future.