An embodiment circuit includes a plurality of heat-generating circuits, a heat-sensitive circuit exposed to heat generated during operation of the plurality of heat-generating circuit, and a temperature sensor disposed at a location between the heat-sensitive circuit and the plurality of heat-generating circuits, the temperature sensor being configured to generate an over-temperature signal as a function of temperature sensed at the location. The plurality of heat-generating circuits may be selectively deactivatable in an ordered sequence based on deactivation weights respectively assigned to the plurality of heat-generating circuits and in response to the over-temperature signal.