Abstract: A power regulator (1) having an output terminal (14) for providing a regulated voltage, comprising: a first control unit (35) for controlling a first operation mode, a second control unit (36) for controlling a second operation mode, a detection unit (40) connected to the output terminal (14) for detecting, at start-up, whether or not an external inductor (30) is connected to the output terminal (14), for activating the first operation mode when an external inductor (30) is detected, and for activating the second operation mode when no external inductor is detected. The detection unit (40) is further arranged for detecting in which of at least two distinct inductance ranges the inductance of the detected inductor (30) lies so as to provide inductance dependent control in the first operation mode.