DC converter with halt mode setting means

A method for setting up a halt mode for a DC converter, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a clock signal input at a switch in the DC converter, wherein said clock signal controls an on/off time period for said switch to allow a predetermined amount of power to be output from said DC converter;
• determining when said switch is in an off-state;
• and
• receiving a halt mode signal at said switch during said off-state, wherein said halt mode signal turns said switch to a continuous-on state, regardless of the state of said clock signal input.

A DC converter, comprising:

• a semiconductor switch;
• a clock generator means for outputting a clock signal to a gate of said semiconductor switch for controlling an on/off time of said semiconductor switch such that a predetermined amount of power is output therefrom;
• and
• a drive circuit means for outputting a halt mode setting requirement, wherein said drive means switches said semiconductor switch to a continuous-on state according to the halt mode setting requirement regardless of said clock signal when said semiconductor switch, normally repeating on/off operations responsive to said clock signal, is in an off-state.