High-voltage component and methods of use

A method for configuring a high-voltage, HV, component for a vehicle, the HV component comprising an internal Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop, HVIL, system unit configured to detect an internal HVIL fault and to output information on the internal HVIL fault as an internal HVIL fault signal, the method comprising:

• configuring the HV component so as to enable an HVIL fault response control function of an HVIL logic unit of the HV component, wherein the HVIL logic unit is configured to be enabled or at least partially disabled;
• wherein the HV component further comprises:
• a first relay element configured to move from a closed first relay element configuration to an open first relay element configuration to thereby disable the HV component;
• and
• a second relay element configured to be positioned in an external HVIL signal communication path that is connectable to an external HVIL system, the second relay element being configured to move from a closed second relay element configuration to an open second relay element configuration to thereby inform a vehicle electronic control unit, ECU, of the internal HVIL fault;
• and
• wherein the enabling of the HVIL fault response control function causes the HVIL logic unit to be able to:
• responsive to receiving the internal HVIL fault signal from the HVIL system unit, after a first delay period, control the second relay element to move to the open second relay element configuration to thereby inform the vehicle ECU of the internal HVIL fault and, after a second delay period, control the first relay element to move to the open first relay element configuration to thereby disable the HV component;
• and
• responsive to receiving, via the external HVIL signal communication path, an external HVIL fault signal informing the HVIL logic unit of an external HVIL fault, after a third delay period, control the first relay element to move to the open first relay element configuration to thereby disable the HV component.