Abstract: An inductive ignition system for a spark ignited internal combustion engine. An N-channel field effect transistor (FET) is connected in series with the primary winding of an ignition coil. The primary winding and the FET are connected in a high side drive connection. An NPN transistor has its collector-emitter circuit connected between the gate and source of the FET. When the FET is biased off a flyback voltage is developed across the primary winding which is used to bias the NPN transistor conductive thereby clamping the gate and source voltage of the FET together to keep the FET switched off.