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.

Validators play a crucial role in the Sova ecosystem:

• 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.

SOVA

SOVA is a network token that serves multiple purposes within the Sova ecosystem:

• Network token for gas fees

• Validator incentives

Sova Signing Flow

The Sova signing flow demonstrates the seamless integration between web3 applications, the SovaEVM, and the Bitcoin network:

1. Web3 Wallet: The entry point for users.

   • Apps prompt users to pre-sign both BTC and EVM transactions.

2. Apps: Interface between users and the Sova network.

   • Manage user interactions and transaction initiation.

3. 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.

4. 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 sign 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:

1. Web3 Wallet / Apps: Entry point for users and applications interacting with the Sova network.

2. Sova Mempool: Collects and manages pending transactions.

3. Sova Blocks: Transactions are organized and processed in blocks.

4. Sova Execution Queue: Manages the order and execution of transactions.

5. Sova Signing Service: Handles the cryptographic signing of transactions.

6. 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.