A way how to teach a general understanding of switched mode power supplies (SMPS) is shown. A fourth order PWM DC-to-DC converter with limited duty cycle range is treated as an example and a survey over important data (maximum voltage and current ratings for the elements, rms- values for the semiconductor devices and a rough approximation of the losses) of the circuit is given. Furthermore, a converter model based on duty ratio averaging is established. Continuous mode of operation is used. The results make it possible to estimate the applicability of the given converter structure and offer sufficient material for the calculation, design, and analysis and give a better insight into switched mode energy conversion.