RFC: UTC-Chain – Universal Blockchain Time Protocol

[byLAEV]

RFC: UTC-Chain – Universal Blockchain Time Protocol

1. Introduction

This document proposes UTC-Chain, a universal time protocol for blockchains designed to provide a unique, continuous, and decentralized temporal reference that can be adopted by multiple blockchain networks for interoperability.

1.1 Motivation

Ambiguities between time zones.

Inconsistencies in timestamps across different blockchains.

Need for a global temporal standard for smart contracts, payments, and auditing.

1.2 Objective

To create a universal blockchain clock, usable by any project for reliable, verifiable, and cross-chain time synchronization.

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2. System Architecture

2.1 Primary Time Source

The Bitcoin block height is used as the base time unit (universal tick).

Each block represents a specific time slot.

2.2 Synchronization Layer (Time Anchors)

Every N blocks (~1000 blocks) a temporal checkpoint is generated.

Checkpoints are published on UTC-Chain with hash + timestamp.

Optional redundancy: checkpoints can also be anchored on Ethereum, Cosmos, and Polkadot.

2.3 Universal Time Projection

UTC-Chain translates slots into a standard format:

{
"unixTime": 1756783200,
"utcDay": "2025-09-01",
"slot": 43200,
"btcBlockHeight": 876543,
"sourceChain": "BTC"
}

2.4 Cross-Chain Interface

Example Solidity interface:

interface IUTCTime {
function getUniversalTime() external view returns (
uint256 unixTime,
uint256 btcBlockHeight,
uint256 slot
);
}

Optional integration via RESTful API or gRPC for non-EVM chains.

2.5 Security Measures

Median Time Past (MTP) correction: handles minor timestamp manipulation by miners.

Checkpoint redundancy: multiple chains and validators anchor the time to prevent oracle attacks.

Signature verification: each checkpoint signed by trusted multi-sig or threshold signature scheme (TSS) validators.

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3. Use Cases

Cross-chain payments and smart contracts with exact deadlines.

Auctions and DeFi lending with synchronized expiration times.

Legal auditing with unambiguous timestamps.

Coordinated global events or multi-chain applications.

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4. Comparison with Existing Projects

Project Focus Limitation

OpenTimestamps Proof of existence Not continuous, historical only
Chainlink / Band / API3 Cross-chain data oracles Provides data, not universal time
zk-SNARK cross-chain State verification Not time-focused

UTC-Chain fills the gap of continuous, interoperable universal blockchain time.

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5. Initial Implementation Plan

6. Deploy smart contracts on Ethereum and Cosmos reading Bitcoin block height via decentralized oracle network.

7. Lightweight UTC-Chain blockchain to publish and anchor checkpoints.

8. Community standardization proposal: UTC-TIME-01.

9. SDKs and libraries for integration across EVM, Cosmos SDK, Substrate, and non-EVM chains.

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6. Developer Collaboration Invitation

We invite developers and blockchain communities to:

Define universal time formats and slot granularity.

Optimize checkpoint frequency and validator network for robustness.

Develop cross-chain SDKs and libraries for adoption.

Propose security enhancements for multi-chain anchoring.

Author: Lerry Alexander Elizondo Villalobos (LAEV)

Contact & Collaboration: Comment on this issue or submit pull requests.

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7. Conclusion

UTC-Chain establishes a Web3 universal clock, addressing temporal fragmentation across blockchains and providing a robust foundation for interoperability, auditing, and reliable smart contract execution.

The document has been translated into English and enhanced with additional technical specifications for developers, including interfaces, security measures, and integration options across multiple blockchain platforms.