Intro

Modular blockchains have gained popularity for their flexibility and scalability, with layer 2 (L2) components emerging as key players. The Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) has particularly garnered attention as a powerful execution layer, owing to its ability to separate computation logic from state, facilitating parallel execution. This architectural approach makes SVM a high-performance candidate for blockchain applications.

However, while there have been various high-level proposals, they often miss addressing practical concerns like how to derive L2 blocks from L1 and how the sequencer integrates the derivation pipeline with the SVM executor. Censorship attacks on deposit transactions are also not well addressed. This article proposes a solution that decouples the SVM execution layer, explaining why it’s essential for Optimistic Rollups and the advantages of choosing SVM for the execution layer.

Before diving into SVM, it's crucial to understand Optimistic Rollups. An Optimistic Rollup is a layer 2 solution that processes transactions off-chain and relies on layer 1 (L1) for data and security. Optimism, one of the most widely used optimistic rollups, serves as an excellent example.

In an Optimistic Rollup, transactions are bundled off-chain and submitted in batches to L1. While the system assumes these transactions are valid, it allows users to challenge them via fraud proofs. This design enhances scalability by offloading computation but keeps L1 as a backstop for security.

However, a key difference between Optimistic Rollups and sovereign chains is that rollups don't generate block space or require a consensus mechanism like Proof of Work. Instead, the rollup chains derive blocks from L1, focusing on efficient usage of L1 block space.

In a rollup, the derivation pipeline is the process of deriving L2 blocks from L1 blocks. This includes ensuring that L1 deposit transactions are included in L2 blocks, meeting the "Forced Inclusion" requirement. The derivation layer also checks the L2 transactions coming from either the peer-to-peer (P2P) network or the data availability (DA) layer.

One challenge in Optimistic Rollups is ensuring that the derivation layer works seamlessly with the execution layer. In many existing designs, there’s a risk that the sequencer could act maliciously without being caught. However, by integrating the derivation pipeline with an SVM execution layer, we can secure this process with a fraud-proof system that can challenge not just the execution but also the pipeline itself.

To create a more efficient and secure Optimistic Rollup, we propose decoupling the SVM execution layer from other Solana components like its consensus layer. The goal is to retain only the necessary elements, such as the BankingStage, SigVerifyStage, and the SVM executor, while eliminating unnecessary components like Solana’s Proof of History (PoH) and Tower BFT consensus mechanism.

By decoupling these layers, the SVM execution becomes lightweight and optimized for rollup chains. Moreover, this setup allows for a single fraud-proof system that challenges both the correctness of the derivation pipeline and the SVM execution. This enhanced design secures the full state transition in L2, making it more difficult for sequencers to conduct censorship attacks or manipulate transactions.

In addition, decoupling SVM enables better horizontal scaling of the sequencer. With tools like SIMD83, the system can distribute transaction execution tasks across multiple executors, allowing for parallel processing and a higher transaction throughput.

Now that we understand how decoupling SVM enhances the performance and security of Optimistic Rollups, let's explore why SVM is an ideal choice for the execution layer.

1. Fee Market Efficiency Ethereum’s global fee market often causes high fees during network congestion, making it expensive for everyday users. SVM, however, introduces a localized fee market where fees are determined independently for each smart contract. This system prevents unrelated transactions from driving up costs for others.

2. Parallel Processing for High Throughput Unlike Ethereum’s single-threaded environment, which can become congested during high demand, SVM allows for parallel processing. This capability significantly increases transaction throughput, enabling faster and more cost-effective execution even when demand is high.

3. Growing Ecosystem and Developer-Friendly While Ethereum’s ecosystem is well-established, the SVM ecosystem is rapidly expanding, thanks to its superior engineering framework. Developers are increasingly drawn to SVM’s efficiency and scalability, which provides a more dynamic and innovative environment compared to EVM.

4. Avoiding Complexity of zk-VMs Zero-knowledge virtual machines (zk-VMs) are gaining attention for their privacy and scalability, but their complexity makes them difficult to implement and economically impractical. SVM, by contrast, offers a simpler, more efficient architecture while still delivering high performance and security.

Decoupling the SVM execution layer offers multiple benefits. First, it allows for natural fraud proofs, ensuring both L1 to L2 message passing and L2 transaction execution are secure. Second, it enables horizontal scaling, increasing the network’s capacity to handle transactions in parallel. Finally, it enhances the overall scalability and performance of Optimistic Rollups, making them more viable for widespread use.

Decoupling the SVM execution layer is essential for creating a high-performance, secure Optimistic Rollup. By eliminating unnecessary components and focusing on parallel processing, the decoupled SVM execution layer significantly improves transaction throughput and security. Additionally, SVM’s localized fee market, growing ecosystem, and scalability make it an ideal choice for L2 solutions. As L2 blockchain technology continues to evolve, SVM stands out as a powerful tool for building efficient, scalable rollup chains.
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Introduction to RISE Labs

RISE Labs is at the forefront of blockchain technology, dedicating its resources and expertise to develop the most efficient EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) rollup stack. After months of stealth development, RISE Labs is excited to share its groundbreaking work with the community. This article delves into RISE Chain, focusing on the innovative Parallel EVM (PEVM) engine, its purpose, performance benchmarks, and its potential to transform the blockchain landscape.

Ethereum, despite its popularity, faces significant performance challenges. In April, the combined transaction processing speed (TPS) of all Ethereum rollups ranged between 100 and 200 TPS, spread across over 50 rollups. In stark contrast, Solana consistently delivers 1000–2000 TPS. This disparity highlights the need for faster EVM execution to compete and scale effectively.

Historically, data availability (DA) was a major bottleneck for blockchain performance. However, advancements such as EIP4844 and external DA options have mitigated this issue. The new frontier in blockchain performance lies in execution speed. RISE Labs aims to address this by significantly accelerating the EVM block processing.

PEVM is an enhanced version of the EVM designed to execute transactions in parallel, leveraging multiple CPU cores while ensuring deterministic outcomes. Traditional EVM processes transactions sequentially, but PEVM's parallel execution model drastically reduces block syncing and building time.

PEVM, though in its pre-alpha stage, has shown remarkable performance improvements. Initial benchmarks reveal a 10.55x improvement in Uniswap swaps due to their computational intensity compared to simple transfers. Real-world Ethereum blocks tested under PEVM demonstrated an average speed increase of 1.73x, with some blocks processing up to 3.62x faster.

• Large Blocks: PEVM excels with large blocks containing few dependencies, making it ideal for high-throughput scenarios.

• Typical Ethereum Blocks: While smaller blocks with more dependencies show varied results, PEVM still offers significant speed improvements, especially for Layer 2 solutions.

RISE Labs anticipates further performance enhancements, targeting an additional 3-5x improvement through various optimizations:

• Optimizing concurrent data structures to maximize CPU cache and stack memory.

• Granular memory management to reduce false dependencies.

• Incorporating pre-provided metadata from static mempool analysis.

• Custom memory allocators for the execution phase.

• Supporting multiple EVM executors, including REVM, JIT, and AOT compilers.

There is a common misconception that Layer 2 solutions generate revenue primarily through sequencing transactions. While sequencing offers some revenue through MEV (Miner Extractable Value), leading Layer 2s focus on blockspace and execution. Effective sequencing ensures seamless transaction execution and interoperability, reducing fragmentation within the blockchain ecosystem.

To achieve Universal Synchronous Composability (USC) and solve fragmentation issues, collaboration on sequencing is essential. Fragmentation will worsen without a unified approach to sequencing, hindering blockchain scalability and user experience. RISE Chain embraces collaborative sequencing to deliver top-tier execution performance.

Shared sequencing provides the strongest solution to fragmentation by enabling atomic interoperability between rollups. Key considerations for sequencing solutions include:

• Centralized vs. Decentralized: Balancing simplicity and performance with liveness and censorship resistance.

• Shared vs. Solo: Leveraging synchronous interoperability and outsourcing sequencing versus simplicity and mature technology.

• Based vs. Non-based: Inheriting Ethereum's decentralization and security versus MEV protection and design flexibility.

RISE Labs is committed to pushing the boundaries of EVM performance, with PEVM at the heart of this mission. By accelerating EVM execution and promoting collaborative sequencing, RISE Chain aims to deliver unparalleled blockchain scalability and efficiency. Stay tuned for more updates from RISE Labs as they continue to innovate and optimize the future of blockchain technology.

• Discord: https://discord.gg/YGumCSEW

• Twitter a-ka X: https://x.com/rise_chain

Initia overview

Initia, a Layer 1 project, has emerged from stealth mode, revealing its transition with a pre-seed investment from Binance Labs, the venture arm of the prominent crypto exchange Binance. Investment aims to empower developers to construct Layer 2 scaling solutions interconnected within a network. Initia will operate as a Layer 1 within the Cosmos ecosystem, hosting application-specific Layer 2s developed using optimistic rollup technology, while facilitating cross-chain interactions among these rollups.

Stan Liu, a core contributor to Initia, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Binance Labs to bolster the growth of Initia's hub and bespoke blockchain platform. Initia will utilize the Move programming language and MoveVM computing framework, which other Layer 1 chains like Aptos and Sui have also adopted. The project is currently in the development phase on a testnet and plans to unveil partnerships with notable crypto projects in the near future.

Initia's architecture revolves around its Layer 1 orchestrating various functions across interconnected Layer 2s within the OPinit Stack framework. The platform aims to simplify the fragmented experience of multichain systems through vertical integration, ensuring seamless interoperability and asset fungibility across its ecosystem.

The product suite offered by Initia includes features like Elastic Block Production, Initia Vested Interest Program (VIP), Multi VM Support, Kickbacks, Native USDC by Noble, Initia Wallet, Enshrined Liquidity, Initia Usernames, and Initia Scan. These offerings aim to enhance user experience, security, and liquidity within the Initia ecosystem.

In terms of funding and backers, Initia initially secured a pre-seed investment from Binance Labs and later received a seed round of $7.5M led by Delphi Ventures and Hack VC, with participation from notable angels. The team behind Initia comprises experienced individuals from both crypto and traditional tech backgrounds, aiming for a mainnet launch no later than Q3 of 2024.

Initia's ecosystem development is gaining momentum with the emergence of six Minitias, including Blakwing, Lunch App, Tucana, MilkyWay, Contro, and Civitia. These projects cover a wide range of use cases within the Initia ecosystem, from decentralized trading platforms to social gamification experiences.

Initia's unique structure and compatibility with various frameworks position it as a promising solution to the complexities of fragmented multi-chain environments. With its strong ecosystem and talented team, Initia is poised to shape the modular landscape of Web3 and unlock its vast potential in the crypto space.

For now, you can participate in the Blackwing XP farming initiative. Blackwing is a modular blockchain for margin trading built using Initia. You can deposit the following assets across different networks:

1. ezETH/ETH/USDC/weETH on the Arbitrum network

2. USDT/BNB on the Binance Smart Chain

3. eETH/ezETH/rsETH/rswETH/weETH/USDC on Ethereum L1

You'll earn 10 BXP for every invitee who deposits at least 10 USD in funds.

The Blackwing XP (BXP) program aims to reward early adopters and participants in the initial development stage of Blackwing. Accumulated BXP, alongside other metrics, will be utilized to determine airdrop rankings.

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