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System Design

While Helios operates on Cosmos SDK as a base, it has been heavily modified with a mix of EVMOS, Injective, Cronos, and Ethermint, along with its own unique consensus and interoperability systems.

Architectural Layers​

Helios is structured into multiple layers that enhance efficiency and security:

1. Execution Layer​

  • Built on Cosmos SDK with significant enhancements from EVMOS, Injective, Cronos, and Ethermint.
  • Fully EVM-compatible, allowing seamless deployment of Ethereum-based smart contracts.
  • Supports Cosmos-native applications, enabling hybrid EVM & Cosmos interoperability.

2. Consensus Layer (I-PoSR)​

  • Implements Interchain Proof of Stake and Reputation (I-PoSR), which combines:
    • Traditional PoS staking with reputation-weighted validator selection.
    • Multi-chain staking across different blockchain ecosystems.
    • Adaptive slashing that penalizes malicious validators dynamically.

3. Networking Layer​

  • Uses libp2p for peer-to-peer (P2P) communication.
  • Manages validator coordination, message propagation, and cross-chain data syncing.

4. Hyperion Modules (Interoperability & Oracle Layer)​

  • Hyperion serves as a multi-chain oracle and bridge.
  • Based on Peggy from Injective, a battle-tested cross-chain system that has secured over $1 billion in assets.
  • Ensures secure asset transfers, decentralized oracles, and validator-driven cross-chain data verification.
  • Allows Helios to interact with Ethereum and other EVM chains safely.

5. Governance and Automation Layer​

  • On-chain governance handles network upgrades, staking rules, and asset integration.
  • AI-powered decision-making assists in:
    • Optimizing staking reward structures.
    • Analyzing governance proposals and suggesting weight adjustments.
  • Supports dynamic staking incentives that adjust based on market conditions.

How Helios Ensures Efficient Operation​

Helios' system design enhances scalability, decentralization, and cross-chain interactions through the following key mechanisms:

Optimized Transaction Processing in Cosmos-Based Consensus​

  • Helios operates on Cosmos SDK, meaning execution and consensus occur on the same validator nodes.
  • Transactions are validated, executed, and finalized within blocks, ensuring deterministic processing.
  • Unlike Ethereum’s rollup-based chains, Helios does not decouple execution from consensus. Instead, it optimizes validator selection and transaction inclusion using its reputation-weighted mechanics.

Battle-Tested Cross-Chain Data Validation​

  • Hyperion Modules act as cross-chain verifiers, ensuring Helios validators receive accurate external data before confirming transactions.
  • Built on Peggy from Injective, Hyperion inherits the security of a bridge framework that has already handled over $1B+ in cross-chain deposits.
  • Each Hyperion Module functions as a light client for an external chain (e.g., Ethereum, Solana), allowing Helios to process cross-chain operations natively.

Reputation-Weighted Staking for Long-Term Security​

  • Validators are chosen based on both staked assets and reputation.
  • Higher-reputation validators gain priority in selection, ensuring that network security is not dictated solely by token holdings.
  • This prevents large staking monopolies while rewarding consistent, high-performing validators.

These architectural choices allow Helios to scale efficiently while maintaining decentralization, security, and cross-chain functionality.

Example: How a Transaction Flows Through Helios​

  1. Transaction Submission
    A user submits a transaction on Helios (e.g., a smart contract interaction or a cross-chain bridge request).

  2. Validation & Consensus

    • The Execution Layer verifies the transaction.
    • The Consensus Layer (I-PoSR) processes and confirms it using validators with high reputation scores.

  3. Cross-Chain Execution (If Needed)

    • If the transaction involves an external chain, a Hyperion Module verifies and relays the data.
    • The Networking Layer ensures transaction details are synchronized across connected blockchains.

  4. Finalization & Block Inclusion

    • Once validated, the transaction is finalized and recorded on Helios.
    • Staking rewards and governance updates adjust dynamically based on validator activity.

Why This System Design?​

Helios combines scalability, decentralization, and security to create an optimized blockchain network:

  • More Secure: Multi-chain staking and battle-tested bridging (Peggy-based) ensure maximum protection.
  • More Efficient: AI optimizations improve staking rewards and governance decision-making.
  • More Scalable: Modular execution allows seamless integration with new blockchain innovations.