An inductive power transfer receiver is provided including a receiving coil (13) in series with a capacitor (14), a voltage multiplier (15) for providing a DC output, and a power control switch (18) controlled by a controller (19) for regulating the power supplied to a load. An inductive power transfer receiver is provided including a receiving coil in series with a capacitor, a charge pump for providing a DC output, and a power control switch controlled by a controller for regulating the power supplied to a load. A method of power flow control in an inductive power transfer circuit having a power control switch is also provided. The method includes detecting two operational transitions in the circuit and determining a reference timing bases on which operational transition is detected earliest within a detection window. The reference timing is used to developing a signal for controlling the power control switch.