a method for operating a matrix converter to convert n phases of a generator into alternating voltage with n r phases of a load connected to a network includes the steps of alternatingly connecting the nr phases of the load using a plurality of controllable bi - directional switches disposed in an matrix , wherein nr phases of the generator are always connected with the load and phases of the generator are not connected with the load , and controlling the switching of a phase k of the generator at a time t to a phase c of the grid , using a periodical , continuous , segmented function k . the function k defines a broken line having a plurality of segments , wherein each segment i is defined by a starting time t i and a pulsation ω i , and the value of the function k is rounded to the closest integer value .