System 20 includes converters 205 which are connected in series and carry the current from string 203. If a failure in one of the serially connected converters 205 causes an open circuit in failed converter 205, current ceases to flow through the entire string 203 of converters 205, thereby causing system 20 to stop functioning. Aspects of the present invention provide a converter circuit 205 in which electrical components have one or more bypass routes associated with them that carry the current in case of an electrical component failing within one of converters 205. For example, each switching transistor of either the buck or the boost portion of the converter has its own diode bypass. Also, upon failure of inductor 308, the current bypasses the failed inductor 308 through parasitic diodes 344,346.
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