A method for controlling a converter for converting an n-phase AC input voltage into a DC output voltage, each phase of the AC input voltage being connected to a switch of the converter. The method includes determining the signs of j characteristic voltages (Va, Vb, Vc, Va-Vb, Vb-Vc, Va-Vc, Va+20°, Vb+20°, Vc+20°, Va−20°, Vb−20°, Vc−20°); determining a reference combination (C1-C12, C1-C18), to which the signs of j characteristic voltages (Va, Vb, Vc, Va-Vb, Vb-Vc, Va-Vc, Va+20°, Vb+20°, Vc+20°, Va−20°, Vb−20°, Vc−20°) correspond, by comparing the signs of the j characteristic voltages to data from a reference table; and (c) opening each switch for an opening time (t1, t2, t3) pre-determined according to the reference combination (C1-C12, C1-C18) identified during the determining of the reference combination.
