A method for driving an LED backlight device using pulse width modulation with an additional timer to manage the power consumption, thermal output, and lighting level of the device with improved resolution. The method includes receiving a commanded brightness level, and using an n bit pulse width modulator that has a nominal time period (Pn) to assert a plurality of pulses in accordance with an output of the n bit pulse modulator. A modulator output value is assigned to each one of K states of a K state timer that has a timer period (PT). The plurality of pulses is output according to the modulator output value during each nominal time period occurring within the timer period. Power to the display is supplied in accordance with the plurality of pulses.