Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention may include a downhole tool and a data transmission path incorporated into the downhole tool. The data transmission path may include one or more contact surfaces providing electrical continuity to the data transmission path. To protect the contact surfaces from corrosion while maintaining electrical conductivity, a coating may be attached to one or more of the contact surfaces. The coating may include any of various materials that increase the corrosion-resistance of the underlying base metal, including but not limited to cobalt, nickel, tin, tin-lead, platinum, palladium, gold, silver, zinc, or combinations thereof.