Method and apparatus for multiphase regulator with thermal adaptive phase add/drop control

A multiphase regulator having a variable number of phases in operation and nominal current thresholds for indicating when to add or drop a phase is provided. A digital controller for the regulator includes digital circuitry configured to adjust the nominal current thresholds based on a measured or estimated temperature of the regulator, to yield adjusted current thresholds which are a function of temperature. The digital circuitry is further configured to modify the number of phases in operation based on the adjusted current thresholds and a measured or estimated current in the regulator. The regulator can be included in an electronic component having a load, power stages for providing phase currents to the load, and at least one fan for cooling the power stages and load. The digital controller controls operation of the regulator, including adaptive control of the number of phases in operation. Corresponding control methods are also provided.