diff --git a/tests/periph_pwm/main.c b/tests/periph_pwm/main.c
index 6cb628b7cf..a615eaba02 100644
--- a/tests/periph_pwm/main.c
+++ b/tests/periph_pwm/main.c
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 #define OSC_STEP        (10)
 #define OSC_MODE        PWM_LEFT
 #define OSC_FREQU       (1000U)
-#define OSC_STEPS       (1000U)
+#define OSC_STEPS       (256U)
 #define PWR_SLEEP       (1U)
 
 static uint32_t initiated;