1. A method for operating a matrix converter to convert n phases of a generator into alternating voltage with n r (n r <n) phases of a load connected to a network, the method comprising: alternatingly connecting the nr phases of the load using a plurality of controllable bi-directional switches disposed in an (n×n r ) matrix, wherein nr phases of the generator are always connected with the load and (n−n r ) phases of the generator are not connected with the load; 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(t) defining 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 rounding the value of the function k(t) to the closest integer value.