Connectors for audio data transfer

A signal controller for controlling transfer of signals between a host device and a peripheral device via a USB Type-C connector of the host device, the signal controller comprising:

• a path controller for establishing signal paths between circuitry of the host device and contacts of said USB Type-C connector,
• wherein the path controller is operable in at least first and second modes, wherein:
• in the first mode the path controller establishes separate signal paths to each of at least first, second, third and fourth contacts of the USB Type-C connector, wherein a plurality of said signal paths are for transfer of analogue audio signal;
• and
• in the second mode the path controller establishes a pair of signal paths to only a subset of said first to fourth contacts of the USB Type-C connector, wherein the pair of signal paths are for transfer of differential digital signals;
• wherein, when entering the first mode, the signal controller is configured to determine a connection configuration for the peripheral device, wherein the connection configuration indicates whether each of the first to fourth contacts of the USB Type-C connector is connected to a microphone or a loudspeaker of the peripheral device, and wherein the path controller establishes the signal paths in the first mode based on the determined connection configuration,
• further comprising a discovery module configured to monitor the electrical properties of at least one contact of the USB Type-C connector to determine a type of connection for that contact,
• wherein the discovery module is configured to determine which of at least two predetermined additional contacts of the USB Type-C connector is a ground contact connected to a ground return for the peripheral device and the path controller is further operable to establish a ground path to said determined ground contact.