Abstract: In order limit the rate of rise of current when the final stage transistor T8 is switched, the base current of the final stage transistor is supplied by a first current-controlled current source when the final stage transistor switches on an inductive load. The final stage transistor in this circuit can be given an integrating behavior with a very small MOS negative feedback capacitor, leading to the control current input of the first controlled current source, to which a diode-connected switching transistor T4 supplies a constant current when a driver transistor T7 is blocked by an input signal U.sub.E. When the driver transistor T7 is made conducting, the constant current is diverted to the driver transistor and the base current of the final stage transistor T8 is cut off except for the dynamic contribution of feedback capacitor, while the reverse peak diode D provides protection against voltage spikes.