Various embodiments provide a direct current (DC)-DC converter circuit. The DC-DC converter circuit includes a control circuit to switch the DC-DC converter circuit between a charge state, a discharge state, and a tri-state mode. As part of a first control loop, the control circuit may switch the DC-DC converter between the charge state and the discharge state based on the output voltage to provide the output voltage with the target voltage level. Additionally, as part of a second control loop, the control circuit may switch the DC-DC converter between the charge state and the discharge state based on the current through an inductor of the DC-DC converter. The second control loop may provide overcurrent protection for the DC-DC converter. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.