A boost converter includes a voltage output terminal, a power transistor, and short circuit protection circuitry. The voltage output terminal is configured to provide a boosted output voltage generated by the boost converter. The power transistor is configured to draw current through an inductor. The short circuit protection circuitry is configured to control current flow through the inductor responsive to detection of a short circuit at the voltage output terminal. The short circuit protection circuitry includes an output switch coupled to an input terminal of the power transistor and connected to the voltage output terminal. The output switch is configured to switch current flow from the inductor to the voltage output terminal. The output switch is a negative (N) channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).