A level-shift circuit for use with a half bridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an oscillator operable to provide a timing signal, a level-shift switch controlled by the timing signal of the oscillator, a high side control circuit operable to provide a high side control signal to a high side switch of the half bridge to control the high side switch and a low side control circuit operable to provide a low side control signal to a low side switch of the half bridge to control the low side switch. The level-shift switch is turned ON when the timing signal is high such that the level-shift switch connects the high side control circuit to ground and the high side control signal stays low to keep the high side switch OFF when the timing signal is high. The low side control circuit provides the low side control signal to turn the low side switch ON a predetermined period of time after the timing signal goes high.