Abstract: An apparatus for providing an EEPROM programming signal, comprises a charge pump circuit for receiving a programming input signal on a programming input line and for charging up a gate drive voltage signal in response to a rising edge of the programming input signal. A transistor that includes a gate coupled to the gate drive signal couples the programming input line to a programming output line, which is coupled to an EEPROM. A ramp control circuit including (i) a capacitor and (ii) a transistor controlling the flow of current through the capacitor, is coupled to the programming output line for regulating a ramp-up rate of a programming output signal on the programming output line. A ramp-down circuit is coupled to the programming input line and to the programming output line and is responsive thereto for providing a ramp-down of the programming output signal after the programming input signal goes low.