Abstract: An apparatus for switching an inductive load includes a MOSFET switch and provides for limiting a voltage across the load during switching-off of the latter. One or two clamping circuits are used without zener diodes and with different, temperature-independent clamping voltages for the purpose of rapid demagnetization of the load in a constant demagnetization time.

Abstract: A method for triggering an electromagnetic consumer with low coil resistance (solenoid for a Diesel injection pump) having a free-running circuit that can be switched over, and an apparatus for performing the method, regulate a voltage at an end stage to a predetermined value. This is accomplished by controlling the control voltage of the end stage during a turn-on phase until a turn-on peak current is reached and then regulating the holding current by repeatedly lowering the current through the end stage and keeping it constant to a predetermined value during a predetermined time period and then raising it again to a maximum value of the holding current until the consumer is turned off.