A flyback converter involves a bipolar transistor (BJT) and a parallel-connected diode as the rectifying element in the secondary side of the converter. The transformer of the converter has a primary winding, a first secondary winding, and a second secondary winding. A first end of the first secondary winding is coupled to the BJT base. A first end of the second secondary winding is coupled to the BJT collector and to the anode of the diode. The first and second secondary windings are wound such that when primary winding current stops, pulses of current flow out of the first ends of the first and second secondary windings. These currents are such that the BJT is maintained in saturation throughout at least most of the time current flows through the rectifying element, thereby achieving a low forward voltage across the rectifying element, reducing conduction loss, and increasing converter efficiency.