the present invention relates to a device intended to generate a sustain signal on columns of cells in a display panel comprising a matrix of display cells that are organized in rows and columns , at least one column driver comprising at least two switches for applying selectively an input voltage to at least one column of cells . according to the invention , the device includes inductive means for generating said input voltage . these inductive means are intended to oscillate with the capacitor of the columns of cells selected by the column driver . in this device , the switches of the column driver are controlled so as to generate , by cooperation with the inductive means , the sustain signal to be applied to the columns of cells . this device is particularly advantageous as it uses the column driver switches of the display panel to generate the sustain signal pulses .