I don't know what that part of the circuit is doing.Yes the suply voltage is 12v, the controll pin connected to pic18 micro controller.
I think it doesn't have enough current to turn on the mosfet and therefor Q3/4 darlington.
It's a wide range flyback and SEPIC boost converter.About the upper circuit I think I found the little ic ocs, but it's too advanced for me...
Please tell me what is it: http://cds.linear.com/docs/Datasheet/1871fe.pdf
by Jake Hertz
by Aaron Carman
by Duane Benson