Operating a DC-DC converter that includes: a directly coupled inductor with a first and second coil element, the first and second coil element coupled to an output filter and a load; and power-switching phases, including: a first power-switching phase that includes a high-side and low-side switch, where the high-side switch is configured, when activated, to couple a voltage source to the first coil element and the low-side switch is configured, when activated, to couple the first coil element to a ground voltage; and a second power-switching phase that includes a high-side and low-side switch, where the high-side switch is configured, when activated, to couple the voltage source to the second coil element and the low-side switch is configured, when activated, to couple the second coil element to the ground voltage; and the switches are activated alternatively with no two switches are activated at the same time.