in a method for the drive of a number of coupled output stages drive signals for the output stages are generated . given an over - voltage condition in one of the output stages , the output stage affected by the over - voltage condition is switched into a charge output mode for a limited time duration and at least one other output stage is switched into a charge pick - up mode for a limited time . this method is utilized in the operation of a control module and of a power amplifier , and achieves a charge compensation or balancing or equalization between the output stages with very little circuit - oriented outlay .