midvoltage

Midvoltage, often used interchangeably with medium voltage, is a term for voltages that lie between common low-voltage levels and high-voltage ranges. The precise definition varies by field and region, but it generally denotes a tier used for transmission and distribution or for biasing within electronic circuits.

In power distribution, medium voltage (MV) refers to voltages typically in the range of about 1 kilovolt (kV) to 35 kV AC, with some standards extending up to 72.5 kV. MV is used for distributing electricity from substations to feeders and industrial facilities. Equipment operating in this range includes MV cables, switches, and transformers, and design considerations focus on insulation, clearance, protection, and switching performance appropriate to higher voltages than residential or commercial low voltage.

In electronics, midvoltage can describe a mid-rail or mid-supply reference point. In single-supply designs, circuit signals are biased around a voltage near half the supply (for example, Vcc/2) to center AC signals within the available dynamic range. This mid-rail reference helps maximize headroom for amplification and simplifies coupling and biasing of AC signals, with the exact voltage depending on the chosen supply voltage.

In the automotive industry, mid-voltage is sometimes used to describe 48-volt electrical systems used in mild-hybrid configurations. These systems sit between conventional 12–24-volt architectures and high-voltage traction batteries, enabling functions such as start–stop operation and regenerative braking with different safety and component requirements.

Notes: the term is context-dependent, and readers should identify the intended meaning from the specific field or standards being referenced.