In one embodiment, a method, of operating an IPG, comprises: generating a variable anode voltage by first circuitry to drive current during pulse generation, the first circuitry being programmable to generate the anode voltage from a plurality of voltages in response to a control signal providing the anode voltage to a first circuit node operating a transistor to control current flow between the first circuit node and an output of the IPG, wherein the transistor possesses a gate-to- source breakdown voltage generating a first supply signal that is maintained at a voltage level equal to the anode voltage plus or minus a predetermined amount and selectively applying the first supply signal and a second supply signal to a gate of the transistor to connect or disconnect the first circuit node in a circuit path with the output of the IPG.
