Abstract: A startup circuit for use with a SCVR circuit includes a comparator operative to generate a first control signal as a function of a comparison between an output voltage generated by the SCVR circuit and a reference voltage, the first control signal being used to disable the startup circuit. The startup circuit further includes a reference generator and a controller. The reference generator is coupled with the comparator and operative to generate at least first, second and third voltages, the second voltage being greater than the first voltage, and the third voltage being greater than the second voltage. The controller is coupled with the reference generator and operative to dynamically select a given one of the first and third voltages as the reference voltage supplied to the comparator as a function of the first control signal.