This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for generating a multi-level pulsed waveform using a DC section and a power amplifier. To improve DC section efficiency, a master state is used to determine when the rail voltage can be lowered, and to only allow a state assigned as the master state to lower the rail voltage. Selection of the master state is based on (1) any state having to raise the rail voltage to meet a power demand or (2) a state having the highest drive voltage as determined at the end of each pulse cycle. Further, to avoid challenges from integrator controller, drive voltage is carried over from a last state of one pulse cycle to a first state of a next pulse cycle and assignment of master state in the first state of each pulse cycle is not important and can be arbitrarily selected.