Totem pole output circuit with reduced current spikes

A totem pole transistor output stage circuit capable of sourcing and sinking output current in a load, said circuit having signal input and output terminals and comprising:

• first and second power supply terminals connectable to a source of operating power;
• a first output transistor having its emitter coupled to said output terminal, its collector coupled to said first power supply terminal, and a base;
• a first driver transistor coupled in Darlington configuration to drive said first output transistor and having a base;
• a second output transistor having its collector coupled to said output terminal, its emitter coupled to said second power supply terminal, and a base coupled to said input terminal;
• a first diode coupled in series between said collector of said second output transistor and said output terminal and poled in a same direction as the base-emitter junction of the second output transistor;
• a second diode coupled between said collector of said second output transistor and said base of said first output transistor and poled in a same direction as the base-emitter junction of the second output transistor;
• a third diode coupled between said collector of said second output transistor and said base of said first driver transistor and poled in a same direction as the base-emitter junction of the second output transistor;
• and
• a constant current device coupled between said first power supply terminal and said base of said first driver transistor.