A method for generating current pulses and a current generator having a plurality of secondary stages. Each secondary stage has a DC voltage source and a switching circuit having four switches, connected together so as to form a line. One secondary stage being designated as a regulator stage has a regulator circuit having a smoothing inductor, a switch arranged between a terminal of the smoothing inductor and the DC voltage source, and a circuit for connecting the terminal of the smoothing inductor to the switching circuit when the switch of the regulator circuit is in a locked state. A control circuit of the current generator controls the switches of the switching circuits and the switch of the regulator circuit.