Discharge circuit for a capacitive load

A circuit arrangement for the discharge of a capacitive load, the circuit arrangement comprising:

• a first switching element configured to controllably connect the capacitive load and a predetermined potential,
• a second switching element configured to controllably connect the capacitive load and a reference potential;
• and
• a drive circuit configured to drive the second switching element;
• wherein the drive circuit drives the second switching element in a manner dependent on a comparison of the capacitive load and the predetermined potential;
• and
• wherein the first switching element is driven in a manner dependent on a switching state of the second switching element.

A method for discharging a capacitive load, the method comprising:

• providing a first and second switching element each including a control connection;
• controllably connecting the capacitive load and a predetermined potential using the first switching element;
• controllably connecting the capacitive load and a reference potential using the second switching element;
• driving the first switching element in a manner dependent on a switching state of the second switching element;
• receiving a discharge signal at a drive circuit for the second switching element, the drive circuit comprising a third switching element including a control connection;
• controllably connecting the predetermined potential and the control connection of the second switching element;
• and
• connecting a bias voltage source between the capacitive load to the control connection of the third switching element.