Sova Docs
  • Sova Developer Docs
  • Documentation
    • Intro
    • How It Works
    • Node Design & Architecture
    • Sova Whitepaper
  • TECHNOLOGY
    • Bitcoin Precompiles
    • Double Spend Protection
    • For Frontend Developers
    • For Solidity Developers
  • Contributing
  • NETWORK INFORMATION
    • Connecting to Sova
    • OP Chain Configuration
    • Sova Contracts
  • Node Operators
    • Running Sova
  • Community & Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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  • Core Components
  • SovaEVM
  • Validators
  • Restaking: Enhanced Security
  • Bitcoin Interactions
  • Transaction Flow
  1. Documentation

How It Works

Core Components

SovaEVM

SovaEVM is the only EVM blockchain with Bitcoin Core network bindings that can be called via smart contracts, providing native-Bitcoin read/write capabilities. This integration creates programmable Bitcoin functionality by combining Ethereum's smart contract capabilities with Bitcoin's security and value.

Validators

Validators play a crucial role in the Sova ecosystem:

  • Manage synchronous state across both chains

  • Verify cross-chain interactions

  • Facing slashing penalties for dishonesty, ensuring network integrity

Restaking: Enhanced Security

Sova leverages recent restaking advances to:

  • Bootstrap robust network security from day one

  • Leverage proven security mechanisms from established chains

  • Create a higher economic barrier for potential attackers

This approach enhances the overall security and efficiency of the network.

Bitcoin Interactions

Deposits

Users sign both BTC and EVM transactions. Validators then broadcast the signed BTC transactions and update EVM account state. Using Sentinel slot locking technology, Sova guarantees the finality of state updates on Bitcoin and provides a 1:1 peg to BTC-backed assets on Sova.

Withdrawals

Validators process user withdrawal requests autonomously using the network's Signing Service, which provides multilayer security guarantees while complying with proof-of-reserve requirements. The Signing Service is verified by AVS operators who are incentivized to submit challenges to the slashing protocol when discrepancies are detected.

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 network transactions.

  6. Bitcoin Blocks: The final stage where Sova interactions are reflected on the Bitcoin blockchain.

This architecture allows for seamless interaction between EVM smart contracts and the Bitcoin network, all without requiring users to interact with an external bridge provider or wrapping mechanism.

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Last updated 2 days ago

Sova Transaction Flow