One form of the invention is directed to an apparatus that comprises
step-down circuitry to better match impedance between an input and an
output that includes a number of stages each electrically coupled to
another and each including a charge storage device. The circuitry further
includes a number of switching devices operable in a first electrical
connectivity state to connect the charge storage device of each of the
stages in series to receive electrical charge from the input and in a
second electrical connectivity state opposite the first state to connect
the charge storage device of each of the stages in parallel to discharge
electricity through the output. This circuitry can be used in connection
with a radioisotopic conversion cell.