A half bridge circuit includes an input connection configured to supply an electric input, an output connection configured to supply an electric output to a load to be connected to the output connection, a switch and a diode arranged between the input connection and the output connection and a voltage limiting inductance arranged in series between the switch and the diode. The voltage limiting inductance is configured to limit, upon switching the switch, a maximum voltage across the switch to below a breakdown voltage of the switch. A corresponding method of operating the half bridge circuit and package are also described.