Apparatus for driving a switching device and method of using the same

A method comprising:

• generating a control signal;
• applying the control signal to a control terminal of a switching device when activated;
• determining if the control signal is above a threshold voltage;
• responsive to determining that the control signal is above the threshold voltage, activating the switching device to drive a load in an operating mode;
• storing a charge above the threshold voltage in an energy store, the energy store comprising charging connections for connecting the energy store to a power source for charging the energy store;
• and
• operating a switch to discharge the energy store to deliver a start-up voltage to the control terminal for activating the switching device during a delay period, wherein the delay period takes place before a control signal above the threshold voltage is generated after the switching device is activated, the switch comprising a bypass connection for bypassing the charging connections when the switch is operated.