a DC-DC power converter configured to convert a DC input voltage supplied by a DC input voltage source into a DC output voltage in accordance with at least first and second modulated control signals, and

a converter load electrically connected in series with the DC-DC power converter such that the DC input voltage source supplies power directly to the converter load without passing through the DC-DC power converter;

said DC-DC power converter comprising:

a control circuit configured to adjust the DC output voltage or current in accordance with a target DC voltage or a DC target current, respectively, and

a configurable switch network configured to switch the DC-DC power converter between:

a first operational mode for generating a DC output voltage of a first polarity using a first current charge path and first current discharge path of the configurable switch network to provide a converter load voltage smaller than the DC input voltage, the generating the DC output voltage of the first polarity comprising selectively charging an inductor from the DC output voltage through a first switch in accordance with the first modulated control signal and discharging the inductor into the input of the DC-DC power converter through a second switch in accordance with the second modulated control signal, and

a second operational mode for generating a DC output voltage of a second polarity, opposite to the first polarity, using a second current charge path and second current discharge path of the configurable switch network to provide a converter load voltage that is larger than the DC input voltage, the generating the DC output voltage of the second polarity comprising charging the inductor from the DC input voltage through a third switch in accordance with one of the first or second modulated control signals and discharging the inductor into the DC output voltage in accordance with the other of the first or second modulated control signals.