A switched current power converter including an input power source, an
output terminal, and a plurality of current stages. Each current stage
includes a converter coupled to the input power source for providing a
current, and a switch circuit for selectively coupling the current in
such current stage to the output terminal. A control circuit selectively
decouples the input power source from less than all of the current stage
converters upon detecting a low load condition, thereby reducing
circulating current losses and improving operating efficiency under low
load conditions.