Architecture
EpixChain Architecture
EpixChain's architecture is designed as a multi-layered system that combines the best of Cosmos SDK's modularity with Ethereum's smart contract capabilities, all optimized for the decentralized web.
System Overview
Core Layers
1. Consensus Layer (BFT)
The foundation of Epix Chain's security and performance:
BFT Consensus: Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus with instant finality
6-Second Block Times: Optimized for fast transaction processing
Validator Network: Decentralized set of validators securing the network
ABCI Interface: Application Blockchain Interface connecting consensus to application logic
Key Features:
Instant finality (no confirmation delays)
Up to 1/3 Byzantine fault tolerance
Deterministic block production
Efficient state synchronization
2. Cosmos SDK Layer (Application Logic)
Modular blockchain framework providing core functionality:
Core Modules
Bank Module
Token transfers and balance management
Multi-denomination support
Supply tracking and controls
Staking Module
Validator delegation and rewards
Slashing for misbehavior
Governance voting power calculation
Governance Module
On-chain proposal submission
Community voting mechanisms
Parameter change proposals
IBC Module
Cross-chain communication
Asset transfers between chains
Interchain accounts
Custom Modules
EpixMint Module
Dynamic token emission with exponential decay
Block-time aware minting calculations
Maximum supply protection (42B EPIX cap)
Governance-controlled parameters
3. EVM Layer (Smart Contract Execution)
Full Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility:
Solidity Support: Deploy existing Ethereum contracts without modification
Web3 Compatibility: Standard Ethereum JSON-RPC endpoints
Gas Optimization: Efficient gas mechanics for lower transaction costs
State Management: EVM state integrated with Cosmos SDK state
Precompiled Contracts
EpixChain includes 10+ precompiled contracts for enhanced functionality:
Bank Precompile: Native token operations
Staking Precompile: Validator delegation through EVM
Distribution Precompile: Reward claiming and management
Governance Precompile: Proposal voting from smart contracts
IBC Precompile: Cross-chain transfers via EVM
ERC20 Precompile: Native token wrapping
Bech32 Precompile: Address format conversion
P256 Precompile: Cryptographic operations
Slashing Precompile: Validator penalty information
Callbacks Precompile: Event-driven contract interactions
4. Network Layer
Communication and API interfaces:
P2P Networking: Tendermint's gossip protocol for block and transaction propagation
JSON-RPC: Ethereum-compatible API for dApp integration
REST API: Cosmos SDK's REST interface for blockchain queries
gRPC: High-performance API for advanced integrations
WebSocket: Real-time event streaming
Data Flow
Transaction Processing
Transaction Submission: Users submit transactions via JSON-RPC or REST
Mempool: Transactions enter the mempool for validation
Block Proposal: Validators propose blocks with selected transactions
Consensus: Tendermint consensus validates and commits blocks
State Update: Application state is updated across all modules
Event Emission: Events are emitted for indexing and notifications
Cross-Chain Communication
IBC Packet Creation: Source chain creates IBC packet
Relayer Submission: Relayers submit packet to destination chain
Verification: Destination chain verifies packet authenticity
Execution: Packet is executed on destination chain
Acknowledgment: Success/failure acknowledgment sent back
Security Model
Validator Security
Proof of Stake: Economic security through staked EPIX tokens
Slashing Conditions: Penalties for double-signing (5%) and downtime (1%)
Minimum Stake: Dynamic minimum based on network participation
Delegation: Token holders can delegate to validators
Smart Contract Security
EVM Isolation: Smart contracts run in isolated EVM environment
Gas Limits: Prevent infinite loops and resource exhaustion
Access Controls: Module-level permissions and restrictions
Upgrade Governance: Protocol upgrades require community approval
Network Security
Byzantine Fault Tolerance: Up to 1/3 of validators can be malicious
Cryptographic Verification: All transactions cryptographically signed
State Verification: Merkle proofs for state integrity
Peer Authentication: Secure P2P communication
Performance Characteristics
Throughput
Block Time: 6 seconds (configurable via governance)
Transaction Throughput: ~1000 TPS (varies by transaction type)
Finality: Instant (single block confirmation)
State Size: Optimized for efficient storage and retrieval
Scalability Solutions
IBC Scaling: Horizontal scaling through connected chains
Module Optimization: Efficient state management and caching
Gas Optimization: Reduced computational overhead
Pruning: Historical state pruning for storage efficiency
Integration Points
For Developers
Ethereum Tools: Use existing Ethereum development tools
Cosmos SDK: Access to native blockchain modules
Cross-Chain: Build applications spanning multiple chains
Custom Logic: Implement custom business logic in modules
For Users
MetaMask: Connect with familiar Ethereum wallets
Cosmos Wallets: Use Cosmos ecosystem wallets (Keplr, Cosmostation)
Cross-Chain: Seamlessly move assets between chains
Governance: Participate in protocol governance
For Validators
Standard Setup: Use standard Cosmos SDK validator setup
Monitoring: Comprehensive metrics and alerting
Upgrades: Coordinated network upgrades through governance
Rewards: Earn rewards through block production and delegation
This architecture enables EpixChain to serve as the foundation for a truly decentralized internet while maintaining compatibility with existing blockchain ecosystems.
Last updated