Patent ID: 7106605

Claim:
A DC-DC converter comprising: an input circuit that stores inductive energy and that includes a maximum of two switches configured to alternately release at least some of said stored inductive energy; a transformer including a primary winding that communicates with said input circuit and a secondary winding; and an output circuit that communicates with said secondary winding and that includes: first and second output conductors; a first diode that communicates with one end of said secondary winding and said first output conductor; a second diode that communicates with said one end of said secondary winding and said second output conductor; a third diode that communicates with an opposite end of said secondary winding and said first output conductor; a fourth diode that communicates with said opposite end of said secondary winding and said second output conductor; a first capacitor connected in parallel to said third diode; and a second capacitor connected in parallel to said fourth diode; wherein said switches and capacitors control a rate of buildup of voltage across at least one of said switches upon a release of at least some of said stored inductive energy when one of said switches is switched off.