A power converter circuit includes a power stage comprising a transformer and a power switch. The power switch can be controlled in response to a PWM signal to provide a primary current through a primary winding of the transformer to induce a secondary current in a secondary winding of the transformer to generate an output voltage. The power stage includes a switching node having a switching voltage between the power switch and the primary winding. A switching controller includes a control transistor device to initiate an operational voltage associated with the control transistor device during a startup mode of the power converter circuit and to provide a control voltage based on an amplitude of the switching voltage during a normal operating mode. The switching controller generates the PWM signal in response to comparing the control voltage and a predetermined switching threshold voltage.