Key Terms

Sova Chain

A Bitcoin-anchored Layer-2 designed for programmable, verifiable Bitcoin finance. It connects Bitcoin’s proof-of-work finality with EVM programmability through deterministic validation, not bridges or custodians.

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sovaBTC

The canonical, bridgeless Bitcoin asset on Sova. Each sovaBTC is minted 1:1 for confirmed BTC deposits and burned upon redemption. Fully auditable and verifiable via Sentinel and on-chain mint/burn logs.

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SovaEVM (sova-reth)

Sova’s modified EVM runtime built on the Reth SDK. It includes custom modules such as the Inspector, Sentinel Interface, and Bitcoin precompiles that allow native interaction with the Bitcoin blockchain.

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Inspector

A runtime module within SovaEVM that monitors all storage writes and enforces Bitcoin-linked state locks. Prevents premature or invalid state changes before Bitcoin confirmations finalize.

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Sentinel

Off-chain validator-operated service that tracks Bitcoin transaction confirmations. Works alongside the Inspector to unlock or revert EVM state based on Bitcoin finality.

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Signing Service

Secure infrastructure used by validators to sign and broadcast Bitcoin withdrawal transactions after sovaBTC burns. Uses HSM, MPC, or TSS key schemes for multi-party trust minimization.

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op-node (Consensus Layer)

The modified Optimism Stack component responsible for sequencing blocks, embedding Bitcoin headers, and maintaining state checkpoints across the network.

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Bitcoin Anchor

A verified Bitcoin block header embedded in every Sova block. Defines deterministic linkage between the Sova Network and Bitcoin’s proof-of-work chain.

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NetworkParams Contract

Stores configurable protocol parameters such as Bitcoin confirmation thresholds, reorg depth, and fee multipliers. Updatable only through governance.

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UpgradeManager

Governance contract that manages upgrade execution for modular components (EVM, Sentinel interface, etc.) under the UUPS proxy pattern.

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Validator

A node operator who sequences, verifies, and anchors Sova blocks while running a full Bitcoin Core node. Validators stake $SOVA, earn rewards, and uphold network security and correctness.

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Governance Multisig

The initial governance controller during early network phases. Responsible for upgrades and parameter changes before full DAO activation.

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SOVA DAO (Future)

The fully decentralized governance organization that will manage parameters, Treasury funds, and validator policies once governance transitions from the multisig.

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Treasury

On-chain contract that holds protocol fees, validator rewards, and buyback funds. Operates transparently and can only disburse capital through governance-approved proposals.

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Hyperlane

Cross-chain messaging layer used by Sova for verified communication and liquidity routing between Superchain networks and institutional integrations.

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Superchain

The Optimism-based ecosystem of interoperable EVM chains. Sova’s compatibility with the Superchain ensures seamless integration with other OP Stack rollups.

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Finality

The point at which a Sova state change becomes irreversible because its corresponding Bitcoin transaction is sufficiently confirmed. Sova defines three tiers:

• Soft Finality: Inclusion in a Sova block.

• Hard Finality: Bitcoin-confirmed (6+ confirmations).

• Absolute Finality: Deep Bitcoin settlement (~100+ confirmations).