Abstract: A circuit for generating a charge voltage in a capacitive ignition system having an inductive source for producing a voltage substantially below the required charge voltage. The circuit includes, in series, an electronic switch and a resistor connected across the voltage source to form a controllable current path. Connected parallel thereto is a charging circuit for the capacitive ignition system. A control circuit is connected across the resistor and is adapted to control the state of the electronic switch. The control circuit also has a self-holding circuit. During the build-up of the source voltage, the electronic switch is in its closed state resulting in a heavy current flow therethrough. This in turn results in a build-up of voltage across the resistor actuating the control circuit. The control circuit causes the electronic switch to change into a cutoff state, thereby causing a build-up of the charge voltage for the capacitive ignition system.