Abstract: In an inverter for converting a direct voltage into an alternating voltage, having a number of n circuit units connected in series between two outputs, each circuit unit comprising a series connection, having a direct voltage source and a switch with a switching connection, and a unidirectionally conducting circuit element disposed in parallel with the series connection, the inverter having a control unit which operates the switching connections of the switches to render the switches conductive or non-conductive, in order to minimize the circuitry the voltage values of the direct voltage sources have the values U=U.sub.O.2.sup..nu. (.nu.=0, . . . n-1, .sub.O having any desired value), and the control unit is an analog-digital converter (1) having an analog input and digital outputs (A.nu.), whose analog input receives a reference alternating voltage and from whose digital outputs the 2.sup..nu. output is connected to the switch connection (S.nu.