Efficiency of a multiphase switching power supply during low power mode

A power supply comprising:

• a first switching regulator circuit;
• a second switching regulator circuit;
• a third switching regulator circuit;
• a fourth switching regulator circuit;
• a phase control circuit coupled to said first switching regulator circuit, said second switching regulator circuit, said third switching regulator circuit and said fourth switching regulator circuit, wherein said phase control circuit is configured to generate a plurality of switching control signals for controlling switching of said first, second, third and fourth switching regulator circuits, wherein said phase control circuit is configured to selectively suspend operation of said second, third and fourth switching regulator circuits in response to receiving a signal indicative of a low power mode of operation while said first switching regulator circuit continues to operate.

A computer system comprising:

• a microprocessor;
• a power supply coupled to said microprocessor, wherein said power supply comprises:
• a first switching regulator circuit;
• a second switching regulator circuit;
• a phase control circuit coupled to said first switching regulator circuit and to said second switching regulator circuit, wherein said phase control circuit is configured to generate a plurality of switching control signals for controlling switching of said first and second switching regulator circuits, wherein said phase control circuit is configured to selectively suspend operation of said second switching regulator in response to receiving a signal indicative of a low power mode of operation while said first switching regulator circuit continues to operate.