An apparatus includes comprises an auxiliary switch, a transformer and an auxiliary diode. The auxiliary switch is configured to be turned on prior to turning on a first power switch of a multi-level boost converter. The transformer has a primary winding connected between the first power switch and the auxiliary switch. The auxiliary diode is coupled between a secondary winding of the transformer and an output terminal of the multi-level boost converter. The transformer and the auxiliary switch are configured such that the first power switch is of zero voltage switching, and the auxiliary switch is of zero current switching.