A power converter for a linear drive system having improved control of the switching devices to reduce the effects of localized heating within the power converter is disclosed. The linear drive system controls multiple movers along a track. Multiple coils are positioned adjacent to each other along the length of the track. Each coil is connected to a switching device within the power converter to energize and de-energize the coils. Pairs of adjacent switching devices are connected to coils that have at least additional coil located between the adjacent switching devices. Thus, adjacent switching modules do not conduct the same level of current and those switching modules that are required to conduct elevated levels of current are spaced apart from each other within the power converter. Consequently, the heat generated as a result of the elevated current and increased switching is similarly spread out within the power converter.