In one embodiment, a method of driving a load can include: monitoring an AC input to a rectifier circuit in real-time, where the rectifier circuit can include first and second rectifier circuits, and controlling first and second controllable switches based on a state of the AC input is in a first state. For example, a first state can include the AC input being in a positive half cycle and increasing, or the AC input being in the positive half cycle and decreasing while being at least as high as a predetermined threshold value. The AC input can be used to supply power to a load circuit and an output capacitor via the first rectifier circuit when the AC input is in the first state, where the first rectifier circuit can include a first diode and the second controllable switch.