ZK Coprocessor: Redefining Blockchain Computing Paradigm

Historical Background of Co-processors

Coprocessors, as units that assist the CPU in handling specific tasks, are widely used in the field of computing. For example, Apple's M7 motion coprocessor launched in 2013 significantly improved the motion sensitivity of smart devices, while the GPU proposed by Nvidia in 2007 is responsible for tasks like graphics rendering. Coprocessors offload the execution of complex or high-performance demanding code, allowing the CPU to focus on more flexible and variable processing.

In the Ethereum ecosystem, high Gas fees and data access limitations severely hinder the development of applications. A standard transfer requires 21,000 Gas, and more complex operations cost even more, limiting the scope of contract development. In addition, smart contracts can only access recent Block data, and in the future, full nodes will no longer store past Block data, making it difficult to realize innovative applications based on historical data.

To address these issues, the introduction of the co-processor concept has become a possible solution. The Ethereum chain itself acts as the "CPU" handling simple operations, while the co-processor is similar to a "GPU" handling computation and data-intensive tasks. By combining zero-knowledge proof technology, trustworthy validation of off-chain computations can be achieved. This architecture is expected to support a wide range of application scenarios such as social networking, gaming, DeFi, and even facilitate the on-chain transformation of Web2 applications.

Overview of Mainstream Collaborative Processor Projects

The currently well-known co-processor projects in the industry can be mainly divided into three categories: on-chain data indexing, oracles, and ZKML. Among them, general-purpose ZK co-processor projects such as Risc Zero, Lagrange, and Succinct each have their own characteristics in terms of underlying virtual machine architecture.

Risc Zero

Risc Zero's ZK co-processor Bonsai is based on the RISC-V instruction set and has strong versatility. Its main functions include:

• Universal zkVM, can run any virtual machine in a zero-knowledge environment
• ZK proof system that can be integrated into any smart contract
• General rollup, distributing the computation proofs from Bonsai to the blockchain.

The core components of Bonsai include the prover network, request pool, Rollup engine, mirror center, state storage, and proof market.

Lagrange

Lagrange aims to build co-processors and verifiable databases, containing Blockchain historical data. Its main functions include:

• Verifiable Database: Indexed on-chain contract storage, reconstructing Blockchain storage state
• Parallel computing based on MapReduce principles

Lagrange adopts a new data structure to store contract data, account states, and block data, and uses the ZKMR virtual machine for distributed computation and proof.

Succinct

The goal of Succinct Network is to integrate programmable facts into all aspects of Blockchain development. Its features include:

• Supports multiple programming languages input
• A proof market compatible with multiple proof systems
• Recursive proof technology based on STARKs
• SNARKs to STARKs wrapper
• Pre-compiled centralized zkVM architecture

Co-Processor Project Comparison

Mainstream projects show a high degree of convergence in terms of data indexing, underlying technology, recursive support, proof systems, ecological cooperation, and financing situation. In cases where the technical paths are similar, breaking through may rely more on team resources and ecological cooperation.

The difference between co-processors and Layer 2

The co-processor is application-oriented, while Layer 2 is user-oriented. The co-processor can serve as:

• Layer2 Off-chain Virtual Machine Component
• Off-chain computing power of public chain applications
• Cross-chain Data Oracle
• Cross-Chain Messaging Bridge

Co-processors have the potential to reshape various middleware in the Blockchain, including oracles, cross-chain bridges, etc.

Challenges Faced by Co-processors

1. High development threshold, requires specific languages and tools
2. The track is in its early stages, and the landscape is still unclear.
3. The hardware and other infrastructure are not yet mature.
4. The technical paths are similar, making it difficult to form a generational advantage.

Summary and Outlook

ZK co-processors are expected to reshape the blockchain computing paradigm, achieving on-chain integration of Web2 applications. The key to their development lies in constructing a fully chain real-time verifiable database and low-cost off-chain computing capabilities. The commercialization of ZK computing chips is a prerequisite for large-scale applications. It is anticipated that the next cycle will see the ZK industry chain achieve commercial viability, laying the foundation for Web3 to accommodate interactions from 1 billion users.