The control device drives a power output stage, in particular of a fuel pump or a fuel injection valve. The control device has a series circuit with a highside switch, a first resistor and a first capacitor. A second capacitor is connected between a lowside switch and the highside switch. A further series circuit includes the first resistor, a second resistor and a second capacitor and is connected in parallel with the second capacitor. A further resistor is connected between the supply voltage terminal and the lowside switch.