How It Works
Sova offers a unique approach to blockchain interoperability, specifically connecting Ethereum's smart contract capabilities with Bitcoin's robust network.
Core Concept
Sova is a network for native-Bitcoin asset programmability. Its key innovation are network functions that allow on-chain interaction with Bitcoin, offering a superior UX over bridges.
This fundamental principle underlies Sova's design, making it accessible for both developers and end-users while providing seamless integration with Bitcoin.
SovaEVM: Ethereum + Bitcoin = Programmable Bitcoin
SovaEVM is the only EVM blockchain with Bitcoin Core network bindings, callable via smart contracts, for native-Bitcoin read/write capabilities. This unique feature enables:
Low switching costs for developers
Native integration of Bitcoin functionality within Ethereum-compatible smart contracts
Validators play a crucial role in the Sova ecosystem:
They run both SovaEVM and Bitcoin Core
Manage synchronous state across both chains
Verify cross-chain interactions
Face slashing (penalty) for dishonesty, ensuring network integrity
Restaking: Enhanced Security
Sova leverages recent restaking advances to:
Bootstrap network security
Optimize node operation
Reduce execution and GTM (Go-To-Market) timing risk
This approach enhances the overall security and efficiency of the network.
$SVA: The Sova Token
$SVA serves multiple purposes within the Sova ecosystem:
Network token for gas fees
Validator rewards
Sequencer incentives
By aligning economic incentives, $SVA helps maintain network health and promotes active participation.
Sova Flow
The Sova signing flow demonstrates the seamless integration between web3 applications, the SovaEVM, and the Bitcoin network:
Web3 Wallet: The entry point for users.
Apps prompt users to presign both BTC and EVM transactions.
Apps: Interface between users and the Sova network.
Manage user interactions and transaction initiation.
SovaEVM: The core of the Sova network.
Protocols: Smart contracts that manage Bitcoin private keys.
Precompiles: Built-in network functions to parse Bitcoin intents.
Smart contracts: Utilize these components to interact with Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Network: The underlying Bitcoin blockchain.
Nodes read/relay to/from Sova and Bitcoin Core.
Important: Assets never leave the Bitcoin network, ensuring security.
Key Features of the Signing Flow:
Dual Signing: Users presign both BTC and EVM transactions, enabling seamless cross-chain operations.
Smart Contract Key Management: Protocols within Sova EVM manage Bitcoin private keys securely.
Native Bitcoin Parsing: Precompiles allow direct interpretation of Bitcoin transactions within the EVM environment.
Network-Level Signing: Sova network signs and broadcasts transactions, monitors state, enabling protocols to govern assets via code.
Asset Security: Bitcoin assets remain on the Bitcoin network, eliminating the risks associated with wrapped tokens or external bridges.
This architecture allows for a superior user experience, enabling direct interaction with Bitcoin assets through familiar Ethereum-style interfaces and smart contracts, all without the need for complex bridging mechanisms.
Sova Transaction Flow
The Sova transaction flow involves several key components:
web3 Wallet / Apps: Entry point for users and applications interacting with the Sova network.
Sova Mempool: Collects and manages pending transactions.
Sova Blocks: Transactions are organized and processed in blocks.
Sova Execution Queue: Manages the order and execution of transactions.
Sova Signing Service: Handles the cryptographic signing of transactions.
Bitcoin Blocks: The final stage where Sova interactions are reflected on the Bitcoin blockchain.
This architecture allows for seamless interaction between Ethereum-based smart contracts and the Bitcoin network, all without requiring users to interact with complex bridging or wrapping mechanisms.
For more detailed technical information, please refer to our Whitepaper.
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