Gate drivers

A switching stage, for a gate driver of a switching device having a gate terminal via which the switching device can be turned on and off, the switching stage comprising:

• first and second input terminals connectable in use with corresponding positive and negative terminals of a regulated voltage source;
• an output terminal connectable in use with a gate terminal of a switching device;
• and
• a secondary energy storage device electrically connected with the first and second input terminals to in use receive and store energy via the regulated voltage source,
• the switching stage in use selectively providing a first switching path between the regulated voltage source and the output terminal to apply a voltage at a first polarity to the gate terminal, and
• the switching stage in use selectively providing a second switching path between the secondary energy storage device and the output terminal to apply a voltage at a second polarity opposite the first polarity to the gate terminal,
• wherein the secondary energy storage device is electrically connected in parallel with the first and second input terminals, and wherein a switching element of the second switching path is or includes a self-triggered switching element.