MAP Protocol 2.0

Overview

Protocol 2.0 introduces TSS (Threshold Signature Scheme) based cross-chain infrastructure. It enables secure asset transfers across all chains, including Bitcoin, through decentralized threshold signatures.

How It Works

Source Chain              Maintainer Network           Target Chain
     │                          │                           │
     │  1. User deposits        │                           │
     │     to Vault             │                           │
     │                          │                           │
     │  2. Maintainers          │                           │
     │     observe ────────────►│                           │
     │                          │                           │
     │                    3. TSS KeySign                    │
     │                          │                           │
     │                          │  4. Signature submitted   │
     │                          ├──────────────────────────►│
     │                          │                           │
     │                          │  5. Gateway verifies      │
     │                          │     and releases assets   │
     │                          │                           │

Step-by-Step Process

1. Deposit: User deposits assets to Vault address on source chain

2. Observe: Maintainers detect and confirm the deposit

3. Sign: Maintainers collaboratively sign withdrawal transaction via TSS

4. Submit: Signature is submitted to target chain

5. Release: Gateway contract verifies signature and releases assets

Key Components

TSS (Threshold Signature Scheme)

Cryptographic technology that allows multiple parties to jointly sign without any single party holding the full key.

• 2/3 Threshold: Requires 2/3 of Maintainers to sign

• No Single Point of Failure: No one can sign alone

• Single Signature Output: Looks like a normal signature on-chain

Vault

TSS-controlled address that holds cross-chain assets.

• Managed by Maintainer network

• No single entity controls the funds

• Supports multiple chains including Bitcoin

Gateway

Smart contract on each chain for signature verification.

• Verifies TSS signatures

• Executes withdrawals

• Handles TSS key updates

Maintainer

Network participant that observes events and participates in signing.

• Must be a registered Validator

• Participates in KeyGen and KeySign

• Earns rewards for participation

Security Model

Threshold Security

• 2/3 Byzantine Fault Tolerance: System remains secure with up to 1/3 malicious nodes

• Distributed Custody: Assets are never controlled by a single entity

• Slashing: Malicious behavior is penalized

Why It's Secure

• No Private Key Exposure: Full key never exists in one place

• Decentralized Signing: Multiple independent parties required

• Economic Security: Maintainers stake assets at risk

Supported Chains

• Bitcoin: Full support via TSS Vault

• Ethereum & EVM Chains: Gateway contract verification

• Solana: secp256k1 verification via Gateway

• Any Chain: Can support any chain that verifies signatures

Advantages over v1

Aspect	v1 (Light Client)	v2 (TSS)
Bitcoin Support	❌	✅
Gas Cost	Higher (proof verification)	Lower (signature verification)
Implementation	Need light client per chain	Universal TSS
Speed	Depends on light client sync	Fast threshold signing

Fusion with Light Client

Protocol v2 can integrate light client verification for enhanced security:

• TSS provides fast finality

• Light client provides additional trustless verification

• Best of both worlds

Use Cases

• Bitcoin Cross-chain: Bridge BTC to EVM chains

• Asset Transfers: Fast and secure token transfers

• LP-based Liquidity: Liquidity providers earn fees

• Multi-chain DeFi: Access liquidity across chains

Getting Started

• Become Maintainer: See Compass-TSS Guide

• Provide Liquidity: Deposit assets to Vault

• Use Cross-chain: Interact with Gateway contracts

Roles in v2

Role	Responsibility	Reward
Validator	Block production on MAP Relay Chain	Block rewards
Maintainer	TSS signing & observation	Cross-chain fees
Relayer	Submit signatures to target chains	Transaction fees
LP Provider	Provide liquidity to Vaults	Fee sharing