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Acronyms
The SI
was established in 1960 by the CGPM, an intergovernmental treaty
organization created by the Meter Convention signed in 1875. The
Convention also established the CIPM and BIPM; for additional information,
see the section International
aspects of the SI.
CGPM |
General
Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM, Conférence Générale des
Poids et Mesures). The CGPM
is the primary intergovernmental treaty organization responsible for
the SI, representing nearly 50 countries. It has the responsibility
of ensuring that the SI is widely disseminated and modifying it as
necessary so that it reflects the latest advances in science and
technology. |
CIPM |
International
Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM, Comité International
des Poids et Mesures). The CIPM
comes under the authority of the CGPM. It suggests modifications to
the SI to the CGPM for formal adoption. The CIPM may also on its own
authority pass clarifying resolutions and recommendations regarding
the SI. |
BIPM |
International
Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM, Bureau International des
Poids et Mesures). The BIPM,
located outside Paris, has the task of ensuring worldwide
unification of physical measurements. It is the "international"
metrology institute, and operates under the exclusive supervision of
the CIPM. |
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