To reduce power consumption in a current drive circuit which drives a current drive element by supplying a current to the element from a power source, when the circuit drives the element.

A current drive circuit is provided with an LED 2, which emits light receiving a current and a coil 3 connected in series with the LED 2. The circuit is also provided with a diode 4, which supplies a counter electromotive force generated in the coil 3 to the LED 3 and is connected in parallel with the LED 2 and coil 3 and a switching element 5, which switches the output voltage of a DC power source 1 so that a pulse voltage is impressed upon the LED 2, the coil 3, and the diode 4. The cathode of the diode 4 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC electrode 1, so that a reverse bias is impressed on the diode.