XMM-Newton Data Files Handbook

4.1.5.3 EPIC PN Auxiliary File

An EPIC PN Auxiliary file (*PN*AUX.FIT) is created for each exposure in which at least one CCD node is producing either timing or imaging mode data. Each file consists of two binary tables:

1. the first extension contains the frame information for all the active CCDs (see Appendix A.2 of [6] for a description of the relevant algorithm)

2. the second extension contains the statistical information which is produced by each quadrant after a certain number of cycles (see Appendix A.2 of [6] for a description of the relevant algorithm).

A single file per observation is created, where each row is labelled according to the relevant frame and CCD identifier (in the first extension). The binary tables consist of the columns listed in Table 9 and Table 10, respectively.

Table: EPIC PN Auxiliary file (*PN*AUX.FIT) binary table columns for the extension PNAUX1

Name	Type$^a$	Units	Description
FRAME	1J	COUNTER	Frame number
CYCLE	1J	COUNTER	Cycle Identifier
FTCOARSE	1I	SECOND	Coarse frame time
FTFINE	1I	20.48$\mu$s	Fine time frame
QUADRANT	1B		Quadrant identifier
CCDID	1B		CCD identifier

$^a$See Sect. 9 for convention

Table: EPIC PN Auxiliary file (*PN*AUX.FIT) binary table columns for the extension PNAUX2

Name	Type$^a$	Units	Description
CYCLE	1J	COUNTER	Cycle Identifier
QUADRANT	1B		Quadrant identifier
NABOVE	1I	COUNTS	ATHR Counter
NDEFA	1I		DEFA Counter
NEPDH	1I		EPDH Counter
NDISCLIN	1I		Discarder Line Counters
MCOMMODE	I1		Mean Common Mode

$^a$See Sect. 9 for convention