A method for controlling a four-dimensional vector for a controlled system using a discrete-value control element, the discrete-value control element having a limited switching frequency, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a reference switching status from a pulse pattern table as a function of a modulation factor and a fundamental frequency phase angle, the reference switching status having an associated first switching time;
- calculating at least one reference value of the four-dimensional vector at the associated first switching time as a function of a selected pulse pattern, the reference switching status, a control element reference output value, a determined fundamental component of a voltage of the controlled system, and a plurality of controlled system parameters;
- calculating a time remaining to a next switching operation so as to minimize a difference between the calculated at least one reference value and an actual value of the four-dimensional vector at an actual switching time;
- performing a plausibility check of the calculated time remaining as a function of at least one switching time limit value;
- providing the selected reference switching status as a required switching status at the actual switching time as a function of the plausibility check;
- and
- generating a plurality of control signals for the discrete-value control element as a function of the required switching status.