A novel tapped-inductor converter which has similar characteristics to a typical buck converter is proposed. A high step-down conversion ratio is achieved, and the magnetic core size of the tapped-inductor is minimized. The high side switch is easily driven by a usual driver IC without a pulse transformer. The over voltage load protection is inherently realized without any additional components. Furthermore a divided power distribution system with the proposed tapped-inductor converter is discussed for supplying the power to the digital applications