Patent attributes
An apparatus includes first and second pluralities of switches, a controller for controlling these switches, gate-drivers for driving switches from the first plurality of switches, and first and second terminals configured for coupling to corresponding first and second external circuits at corresponding first and second voltages. During operation, the controller causes the first plurality of switches to transition between states. These transitions result in the second voltage being maintained at a value that is a multiple of the first voltage. The controller also causes the second plurality of switches to transition between states. These transitions resulting in capacitors being coupled or decoupled from the second voltage. The gate drivers derive, from the capacitors, charge for causing a voltage that enables switches from the first plurality of switches to be driven.
