Circuit arrangement for a component operated in the high-voltage range in a motor vehicle, component, and method for operating the component

A component having at least one component part configured for operation in a high-voltage range, comprising a circuit arrangement comprising:

• a low-voltage terminal which is configured to provide an input voltage in a low-voltage range;
• a DC-DC converter which is configured to convert the input voltage applied to its input into an output voltage at its output,
• a control apparatus which is connected to the output of the DC-DC converter and is configured to control operation of the component in the high-voltage range;
• a high-voltage terminal which is configured to provide a current for operating the electrical component in the high-voltage range;
• an interlock circuit with an interlock loop, wherein the interlock circuit is configured to generate an interlock signal depending on a state of a plug connection at the high-voltage terminal;
• wherein the interlock circuit is connected to the DC-DC converter, such that the DC-DC converter outputs an output voltage with a first voltage value or a second voltage value at its output depending on the interlock signal generated;
• wherein the control apparatus is configured to capture the first and second voltage values and, depending thereon, to output a signal representing the state of the plug connection at the high-voltage terminal;
• and
• wherein the at least one component part is a heating element.

A method for operating a component in the high-voltage range, comprising:

• providing an input voltage in a low-voltage range at a low-voltage terminal;
• applying the input voltage to an input of a DC-DC converter;
• converting the input voltage into an output voltage at an output of the DC-DC converter;
• controlling operation of the component in the high-voltage range by means of a control apparatus connected to the output of the DC-DC converter;
• providing a current for operating the electrical component in the high-voltage range by way of a high-voltage terminal;
• generating an interlock signal by way of an interlock circuit with an interlock loop depending on a state of a plug connection at the high-voltage terminal;
• outputting an output voltage with a first voltage value or a second voltage value at a connection point of the interlock circuit with the DC-DC converter depending on the interlock signal generated;
• and
• capturing the first and second voltage values by way of the control apparatus and, depending thereon, outputting a signal representing the state of the plug connection at the high-voltage terminal.