Multi-phase power converter with external phase circuits

A method, comprising:

• generating, by a control circuit included in a power management unit, an external demand current and an internal demand current;
• sourcing, during a first on-time period, by a first phase circuit using the internal demand current, a first current to a regulated power supply node via a first inductor, wherein the first phase circuit is included in the power management unit;
• and
• sourcing, during a second on-time period, by a second phase circuit using the external demand current, a second current to the regulated power supply node via a second inductor, wherein the second phase circuit is external to the power management unit.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a first phase circuit configured to source, based on a first plurality of control signals, a first current to a first regulated power supply node via a first inductor;
• a second phase circuit configured to:
• source, based on a second plurality of control signals, a second current to the first regulated power supply node via a second inductor;
• source, based on a third plurality of control signals, a third current to a second regulated power supply node via a third inductor;
• a first controller circuit configured to:
• generate the first plurality of control signals;
• and
• generate the second plurality of control signals;
• and
• a second controller circuit configured to generate the third plurality of control signals.