A method and apparatus for converting a DC voltage to a lower DC voltage,
provides for conducting current from an input terminal, through an
inductor to charge a capacitor connected to the inductor at an output
terminal and to provide a varying range of load current from the output
terminal, alternately switching the input terminal between a supply
voltage and a ground potential to produce a desired voltage at the output
terminal that is lower than the supply voltage, while providing the
varying range of load current, and disconnecting the input terminal from
both the supply voltage and the ground potential to reduce an increase in
voltage at the output terminal caused by a substantial reduction in the
load current, while current through the inductor adjusts in response to
the reduced load current.