diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index e3294a0..b907f2a 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ ENABLE_KILL_REVIVE               := 0
 ENABLE_AM_FIX                    := 1
 ENABLE_AM_FIX_SHOW_DATA          := 0
 # Squelch 12 B .. can't be right ?
-ENABLE_SQUELCH_MORE_SENSITIVE    := 1
+ENABLE_SQUELCH_MORE_SENSITIVE    := 0
 ENABLE_SQ_OPEN_WITH_UP_DN_BUTTS  := 1
 ENABLE_FASTER_CHANNEL_SCAN       := 1
 ENABLE_COPY_CHAN_TO_VFO_TO_CHAN  := 1
diff --git a/app/app.c b/app/app.c
index 4394378..3e9248e 100644
--- a/app/app.c
+++ b/app/app.c
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ static void APP_process_rx(void)
 	if (g_squelch_open || g_monitor_enabled)
 	{
 		if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_on_tx_rx >= 2)
-			backlight_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_500ms); // keep the backlight on while we're receiving
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_10ms); // keep the backlight on while we're receiving
 
 		if (!g_end_of_rx_detected_maybe && IS_NOT_NOAA_CHANNEL(g_rx_vfo->channel_save))
 		{
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ bool APP_start_listening(void)
 		BK4819_set_GPIO_pin(BK4819_GPIO6_PIN2_GREEN, true);   // LED on
 
 	if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_on_tx_rx >= 2)
-		backlight_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_500ms);
+		BACKLIGHT_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_10ms);
 
 	#ifdef ENABLE_MDC1200
 //		MDC1200_reset_rx();
@@ -1780,7 +1780,7 @@ void APP_process_functions(void)
 
 		case FUNCTION_TRANSMIT:
 			if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_on_tx_rx == 1 || g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_on_tx_rx == 3)
-				backlight_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_500ms);
+				BACKLIGHT_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_10ms);
 			break;
 
 		case FUNCTION_NEW_RECEIVE:
@@ -2025,17 +2025,6 @@ void APP_time_slice_500ms(void)
 //			g_update_display = true;  // can't do this if not FM scanning, it causes audio clicks
 	#endif
 
-	if (g_backlight_tick_500ms > 0 &&
-	   !g_ask_to_save &&
-	    g_css_scan_mode == CSS_SCAN_MODE_OFF &&
-	    g_current_display_screen != DISPLAY_AIRCOPY)
-	{
-		if (g_current_display_screen != DISPLAY_MENU || g_menu_cursor != MENU_AUTO_BACKLITE) // don't turn off backlight if user is in backlight menu option
-			if (--g_backlight_tick_500ms == 0)
-				if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time < (ARRAY_SIZE(g_sub_menu_backlight) - 1))
-					GPIO_ClearBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);   // turn backlight off
-	}
-
 	if (g_reduced_service)
 	{
 		BOARD_ADC_GetBatteryInfo(&g_usb_current_voltage, &g_usb_current);
@@ -2104,10 +2093,7 @@ void APP_time_slice_500ms(void)
 				g_menu_tick_10ms = 0;
 
 				if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time == 0)
-				{
-					g_backlight_tick_500ms = 0;
-					GPIO_ClearBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);	// turn the backlight OFF
-				}
+					BACKLIGHT_turn_off();
 
 				if (g_input_box_index > 0 || g_dtmf_input_mode)
 					AUDIO_PlayBeep(BEEP_500HZ_60MS_DOUBLE_BEEP_OPTIONAL);
@@ -2204,7 +2190,7 @@ void APP_time_slice_500ms(void)
 						ST7565_HardwareReset();
 
 						if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time < (ARRAY_SIZE(g_sub_menu_backlight) - 1))
-							GPIO_ClearBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);  // turn the backlight off
+							BACKLIGHT_turn_off();
 					}
 					#ifdef ENABLE_VOICE
 						else
@@ -2301,6 +2287,17 @@ void APP_time_slice_10ms(void)
 {
 	g_flash_light_blink_tick_10ms++;
 
+	if (g_backlight_tick_10ms > 0 &&
+	   !g_ask_to_save &&
+	    g_css_scan_mode == CSS_SCAN_MODE_OFF &&
+	    g_current_display_screen != DISPLAY_AIRCOPY)
+	{
+		if (g_current_display_screen != DISPLAY_MENU || g_menu_cursor != MENU_AUTO_BACKLITE) // don't turn off backlight if user is in backlight menu option
+			if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time < (ARRAY_SIZE(g_sub_menu_backlight) - 1))
+				if (--g_backlight_tick_10ms <= 100)
+					BACKLIGHT_set_brightness(g_backlight_tick_10ms);
+	}
+
 	if (g_flag_save_vfo)
 	{
 		SETTINGS_save_vfo_indices();
@@ -2502,13 +2499,13 @@ static void APP_process_key(const key_code_t Key, const bool key_pressed, const
 		RADIO_set_vfo_state(VFO_STATE_NORMAL);
 #if 0
 	// remember the current backlight state (on / off)
-	const bool backlight_was_on = GPIO_CheckBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);
+	const bool backlight_was_on = g_backlight_on;
 
 	if (Key == KEY_EXIT && !backlight_was_on && g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time > 0)
 	{	// just turn the back light on for now so the user can see what's what
 		if (!key_pressed && !key_held)
 		{	// key has been released
-			backlight_turn_on(0);
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 		}
 		g_beep_to_play = BEEP_NONE;
 		return;
@@ -2518,7 +2515,7 @@ static void APP_process_key(const key_code_t Key, const bool key_pressed, const
 	// turn the backlight on
 	if (key_pressed)
 		if (Key != KEY_PTT)
-			backlight_turn_on(0);
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 
 	if (g_current_function == FUNCTION_POWER_SAVE)
 		FUNCTION_Select(FUNCTION_FOREGROUND);
diff --git a/app/menu.c b/app/menu.c
index 3ae9115..71657fd 100644
--- a/app/menu.c
+++ b/app/menu.c
@@ -1060,9 +1060,7 @@ void MENU_ShowCurrentSetting(void)
 
 		case MENU_AUTO_BACKLITE:
 			g_sub_menu_selection = g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time;
-
-			g_backlight_tick_500ms = 0;
-			GPIO_SetBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);  	// turn the backlight ON while in backlight menu
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 			break;
 
 		case MENU_AUTO_BACKLITE_ON_TX_RX:
@@ -1603,10 +1601,7 @@ static void MENU_Key_EXIT(bool key_pressed, bool key_held)
 		g_request_display_screen = DISPLAY_MAIN;
 
 		if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time == 0)
-		{
-			g_backlight_tick_500ms = 0;
-			GPIO_ClearBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);	// turn the backlight OFF
-		}
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_off();
 	}
 	else
 	{
@@ -1889,10 +1884,7 @@ static void MENU_Key_UP_DOWN(bool key_pressed, bool key_held, int8_t Direction)
 		g_request_display_screen = DISPLAY_MENU;
 
 		if (g_menu_cursor != MENU_AUTO_BACKLITE && g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time == 0)
-		{
-			g_backlight_tick_500ms = 0;
-			GPIO_ClearBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);	// turn the backlight OFF
-		}
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_off();
 
 		return;
 	}
diff --git a/driver/backlight.c b/driver/backlight.c
index 5b78ab8..ba367f3 100644
--- a/driver/backlight.c
+++ b/driver/backlight.c
@@ -14,15 +14,32 @@
  *     limitations under the License.
  */
 
+#include "backlight.h"
 #include "bsp/dp32g030/gpio.h"
-#include "driver/backlight.h"
+#include "bsp/dp32g030/pwmplus.h"
+#include "bsp/dp32g030/portcon.h"
 #include "driver/gpio.h"
 #include "settings.h"
 
-// this is decremented once every 500ms
-uint16_t g_backlight_tick_500ms = 0;
+uint16_t g_backlight_tick_10ms;
+bool     g_backlight_on;
 
-uint16_t backlight_ticks(void)
+void BACKLIGHT_init(void)
+{
+	// 48MHz / 94 / 1024 ~ 500Hz
+	const uint32_t PWM_FREQUENCY_HZ =  1000;
+	PWM_PLUS0_CLKSRC |= ((48000000 / 1024 / PWM_FREQUENCY_HZ) << 16);
+	PWM_PLUS0_PERIOD = 1023;
+
+	PORTCON_PORTB_SEL0 &= ~(PORTCON_PORTB_SEL0_B6_MASK);
+	PORTCON_PORTB_SEL0 |= PORTCON_PORTB_SEL0_B6_BITS_PWMP0_CH0;
+
+	PWM_PLUS0_GEN = PWMPLUS_GEN_CH0_OE_BITS_ENABLE | PWMPLUS_GEN_CH0_OUTINV_BITS_ENABLE;
+
+	PWM_PLUS0_CFG = PWMPLUS_CFG_CNT_REP_BITS_ENABLE | PWMPLUS_CFG_COUNTER_EN_BITS_ENABLE;
+}
+
+uint16_t BACKLIGHT_ticks(void)
 {
 	uint16_t ticks = 0;
 	switch (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time)
@@ -34,21 +51,38 @@ uint16_t backlight_ticks(void)
 		case 5: ticks = 60 * 2; break;  // 2 min
 		case 6: ticks = 60 * 4; break;  // 4 min
 	}
-	return ticks * 2;
+	return ticks * 100;
 }
 
-void backlight_turn_on(const uint16_t min_ticks)
+void BACKLIGHT_set_brightness(unsigned int brightness)
+{
+	brightness = (brightness > BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS) ? BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS : brightness;
+
+	// non-linear
+	PWM_PLUS0_CH0_COMP = (1023ul * brightness * brightness) / (BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS * BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS);
+	//PWM_PLUS0_SWLOAD = 1;
+
+	g_backlight_on = (brightness > 0) ? true : false;
+}
+
+void BACKLIGHT_turn_on(const uint16_t min_ticks)
 {
 	if (min_ticks > 0)
 	{
-		if (g_backlight_tick_500ms < min_ticks)
-			g_backlight_tick_500ms = min_ticks;
-		GPIO_SetBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);
+		if (g_backlight_tick_10ms < min_ticks)
+			g_backlight_tick_10ms = min_ticks;
+		BACKLIGHT_set_brightness(BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS);
 	}
 	else
 	if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time > 0)
 	{
-		GPIO_SetBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);
-		g_backlight_tick_500ms = backlight_ticks();
+		BACKLIGHT_set_brightness(BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS);
+		g_backlight_tick_10ms = BACKLIGHT_ticks();
 	}
 }
+
+void BACKLIGHT_turn_off(void)
+{
+	g_backlight_tick_10ms = 0;
+	BACKLIGHT_set_brightness(0);
+}
diff --git a/driver/backlight.h b/driver/backlight.h
index fa35263..5fabd97 100644
--- a/driver/backlight.h
+++ b/driver/backlight.h
@@ -18,11 +18,18 @@
 #define DRIVER_BACKLIGHT_H
 
 #include <stdint.h>
+#include <stdbool.h>
 
-extern uint16_t g_backlight_tick_500ms;
+#define BACKLIGHT_MAX_BRIGHTNESS  100
 
-uint16_t backlight_ticks(void);
-void     backlight_turn_on(const uint16_t min_ticks);
+extern uint16_t g_backlight_tick_10ms;
+extern bool     g_backlight_on;
+
+void     BACKLIGHT_init(void);
+uint16_t BACKLIGHT_ticks(void);
+void     BACKLIGHT_set_brightness(unsigned int brightness);
+void     BACKLIGHT_turn_on(const uint16_t min_ticks);
+void     BACKLIGHT_turn_off(void);
 
 #endif
 
diff --git a/firmware.bin b/firmware.bin
index 03a92f5..6f5af8f 100644
Binary files a/firmware.bin and b/firmware.bin differ
diff --git a/firmware.packed.bin b/firmware.packed.bin
index f729af6..32aa431 100644
Binary files a/firmware.packed.bin and b/firmware.packed.bin differ
diff --git a/functions.c b/functions.c
index 1f03ed1..6573d6a 100644
--- a/functions.c
+++ b/functions.c
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ void FUNCTION_Select(function_type_t Function)
 			}
 
 			if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_on_tx_rx == 1 || g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_on_tx_rx == 3)
-				backlight_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_500ms);
+				BACKLIGHT_turn_on(backlight_tx_rx_time_10ms);
 
 			if (g_eeprom.config.setting.dual_watch != DUAL_WATCH_OFF)
 			{	// dual-RX is enabled
diff --git a/helper/battery.c b/helper/battery.c
index 41e687a..1c15517 100644
--- a/helper/battery.c
+++ b/helper/battery.c
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ void BATTERY_GetReadings(const bool bDisplayBatteryLevel)
 		{
 			g_update_status  = true;
 			g_update_display = true;
-			backlight_turn_on(0);
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 		}
 
 		g_charging_with_type_c = true;
diff --git a/main.c b/main.c
index e36f91a..67713d2 100644
--- a/main.c
+++ b/main.c
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ void MAIN_DisplayReleaseKeys(void)
 	ST7565_BlitStatusLine();  // blank status line
 	ST7565_BlitFullScreen();
 
-	GPIO_SetBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);  // backlight on
+	BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 }
 
 void MAIN_DisplayPowerOn(void)
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ void MAIN_DisplayPowerOn(void)
 	}
 
 	if (g_eeprom.config.setting.power_on_display_mode != PWR_ON_DISPLAY_MODE_NONE)
-		backlight_turn_on(0);   // turn the back light on
+		BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);   // turn the back light on
 }
 
 void Main(void)
@@ -163,7 +163,8 @@ void Main(void)
 		| SYSCON_DEV_CLK_GATE_SPI0_BITS_ENABLE
 		| SYSCON_DEV_CLK_GATE_SARADC_BITS_ENABLE
 		| SYSCON_DEV_CLK_GATE_CRC_BITS_ENABLE
-		| SYSCON_DEV_CLK_GATE_AES_BITS_ENABLE;
+		| SYSCON_DEV_CLK_GATE_AES_BITS_ENABLE
+		| SYSCON_DEV_CLK_GATE_PWM_PLUS0_BITS_ENABLE;
 
 	SYSTICK_Init();
 
@@ -178,6 +179,7 @@ void Main(void)
 	#ifdef ENABLE_FMRADIO
 		BK1080_Init(0, false);
 	#endif
+	BACKLIGHT_init();
 
 	// ***************************
 
@@ -271,15 +273,15 @@ void Main(void)
 		FUNCTION_Select(FUNCTION_POWER_SAVE);
 
 		if (g_eeprom.config.setting.backlight_time < (ARRAY_SIZE(g_sub_menu_backlight) - 1))
-			GPIO_ClearBit(&GPIOB->DATA, GPIOB_PIN_BACKLIGHT);   // turn the backlight OFF
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_off();
 		else
-			backlight_turn_on(0);                               // turn the backlight ON
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);                               // turn the backlight ON
 
 		g_reduced_service = true;
 	}
 	else
 	{
-		backlight_turn_on(0);
+		BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 
 		MAIN_DisplayPowerOn();
 
diff --git a/misc.c b/misc.c
index c805dac..005fdde 100644
--- a/misc.c
+++ b/misc.c
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ const uint16_t        fm_play_noscan_10ms              =  1200 / 10;    // 1.2 s
 const uint8_t         menu_timeout_500ms               =  30000 / 500;  // 30 seconds
 const uint16_t        menu_timeout_long_500ms          = 120000 / 500;  // 2 minutes
 
-const uint16_t        backlight_tx_rx_time_500ms       =  10000 / 500;  // 10 seconds
+const uint16_t        backlight_tx_rx_time_10ms        =  10000 / 10;  // 10 seconds
 
 const uint8_t         dtmf_rx_live_timeout_500ms       =   6000 / 500;  // 6 seconds live decoder on screen
 const uint8_t         dtmf_rx_timeout_500ms            =  10000 / 500;  // 10 seconds till we wipe the DTMF receiver
diff --git a/misc.h b/misc.h
index 6dc9bb7..415a9b2 100644
--- a/misc.h
+++ b/misc.h
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ extern const uint16_t        fm_play_noscan_10ms;
 extern const uint8_t         menu_timeout_500ms;
 extern const uint16_t        menu_timeout_long_500ms;
 
-extern const uint16_t        backlight_tx_rx_time_500ms;
+extern const uint16_t        backlight_tx_rx_time_10ms;
 
 extern const uint8_t         dtmf_rx_live_timeout_500ms;
 extern const uint8_t         dtmf_rx_timeout_500ms;
diff --git a/ui/fmradio.c b/ui/fmradio.c
index b88229b..a62647f 100644
--- a/ui/fmradio.c
+++ b/ui/fmradio.c
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ void UI_DisplayFM(void)
 	#ifdef ENABLE_KEYLOCK
 	if (g_eeprom.config.setting.key_lock && g_keypad_locked > 0)
 	{	// tell user how to unlock the keyboard
-		backlight_turn_on(0);
+		BACKLIGHT_turn_on(0);
 		UI_PrintString("Long press #", 0, LCD_WIDTH - 1, 1, 8);
 		UI_PrintString("to unlock",    0, LCD_WIDTH - 1, 3, 8);
 		ST7565_BlitFullScreen();
diff --git a/ui/main.c b/ui/main.c
index 933ac13..8fc9b4d 100644
--- a/ui/main.c
+++ b/ui/main.c
@@ -419,7 +419,7 @@ void UI_DisplayMain(void)
 
 	if (g_serial_config_tick_500ms > 0)
 	{
-		backlight_turn_on(10);		// 5 seconds
+		BACKLIGHT_turn_on(100 * 5);		// 5 seconds
 		UI_PrintString("UART", 0, LCD_WIDTH, 1, 8);
 		UI_PrintString("CONFIG COMMS", 0, LCD_WIDTH, 3, 8);
 		ST7565_BlitFullScreen();
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@ void UI_DisplayMain(void)
 	#ifdef ENABLE_KEYLOCK
 		if (g_eeprom.config.setting.key_lock && g_keypad_locked > 0)
 		{	// tell user how to unlock the keyboard
-			backlight_turn_on(10);     // 5 seconds
+			BACKLIGHT_turn_on(100 * 5);     // 5 seconds
 			UI_PrintString("Long press #", 0, LCD_WIDTH, 1, 8);
 			UI_PrintString("to unlock",    0, LCD_WIDTH, 3, 8);
 			ST7565_BlitFullScreen();
@@ -860,7 +860,7 @@ void UI_DisplayMain(void)
 		{	// show the modulation mode
 			switch (g_vfo_info[vfo_num].channel.mod_mode)
 			{
-//				case MOD_MODE_FM:  strcpy(str, "FM"); break;
+				//case MOD_MODE_FM:  strcpy(str, "FM"); break;
 				case MOD_MODE_AM:  strcpy(str, "AM"); break;
 				case MOD_MODE_DSB: strcpy(str, "DS"); break;
 				default:           strcpy(str, "??"); break;