DePIN Layer (L3)

Zulu DePIN functions as Layer 3 for Bitcoin, optimized for DePIN + AI implementations, unifying UTXO and Account asset types on the Zulu Network.

TLDR:

Zulu DePIN, positioned on top of Zulu EVM, functions as Layer 2 for The Zulu Network and Layer 3 for Bitcoin, innovatively unifying UTXO and Account asset types and enabling smart contract authorship based on the UTXO model​​.

Zulu DePIN is designated as Layer 3 (L3) within the Bitcoin ecosystem and will be directly deployed on Zulu EVM, interacting seamlessly with it.

However, the verification of its state changes will involve both the Verify network and the Bitcoin network, in conjunction with the proof provided by Zulu EVM. The architectural diagram of Zulu DePIN is depicted below:

Zulu DePIN Architecture

Since the state transition of Zulu DePIN will be verified on Zulu EVM, there is no necessity to introduce an additional verification network on ZuluNexus. Furthermore, the interval between proof submissions on Zulu DePIN and Zulu EVM can be brief, thanks to lower average transaction costs. As illustrated in the figure above, the primary distinction between Zulu DePIN and Zulu EVM stems from the design of their Virtual Machines (VMs).

Zulu DePIN is constructed on a novel VM that differs from the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This VM maintains two distinct world state trees—one for the Account type and the other for the UTXO type state. In practice, a UTXO commitment tree may also be upheld. This approach is informed by the experience of recent years, where the Account type has demonstrated greater compatibility with smart contracts, evident in the success of Ethereum. Simultaneously, the UTXO type is better suited for private transactions, given that transactions based on the UTXO type are executed locally by users and subsequently verified by network nodes. Many privacy-focused projects, including Zcash, Aleo, Aztec, Ola, etc., are implemented based on the UTXO type.

Consequently, both UTXO and Account types boast distinct advantages in specific scenarios. The goal of Zulu DePIN is to combine these two types, creating a programmable platform based on mixed account types, optimized for DePIN + AI use cases. This framework enables developers to continually expand upon more innovative functionalities based on the foundation of UTXO types.