Various aspects of the present disclosure include a controlled current path having a load that draws current from the controlled current path. In response to a modulating voltage signal, current is controlled through the load which causes a transistor circuit, including a transistor, to switch between two current modes. Switching will subject the transistor to voltage stresses due to current in the controlled current path spiking towards a breakdown threshold of the transistor. In response to a first aspect of the modulating voltage signal and in one of the current modes, the current in the controlled current path is directed through the first current branch. In response to a second aspect of the modulating voltage signal and in the other current mode, the current in the controlled current path is diverted from the first current branch to a second current branch.