A circuit (300) for igniting a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp comprises input terminals (302,304), output terminal (306,308), a charging circuit (RIGN,CIGN), a transformer (320) having a primary winding (322) and a secondary winding (324), a MOSFET (340), and a clamping diode (DCLAMP). During operation, ignitor circuit (300) provides a high voltage (VIGN) for igniting an HID lamp. Ignitor circuit (300) provides an ignition voltage (VIGN) having a peak magnitude that is more predictable and less prone to degradation due to the influences of parasitic components. Additionally, ignitor circuit (300) may be realized in a manner that is significantly more cost-effective than comparable prior art circuits.