Kaon Chain Consensus (dPoS)

Kaon Chain employs a Delegated Proof of Stake (dPoS) consensus mechanism, a Bitcoin-family consensus model based on stakes and delegates. This forms a two-level network comprising Master Nodes, Validators, and other nodes. Our implementation extends the traditional model to manage whitelists for BFT consensus.

1. Epochs and Super-Cycles:

   • An Epoch consists of 80 blocks (this number is subject to change).

   • Kaon uses Epochs and super-cycles to structure its blockchain operations.

2. Master Nodes and Validator Candidates:

   • Master Nodes can apply to become Validator Candidates starting from block 0 of the Epoch up to block 69.

   • From block 70 to block 80, current Validators vote for Validator Candidates for the next round of validators.

   • A Validator cannot apply to be a Validator Candidate and cannot be voted for during the Public Vote step.

3. Validator Rotation:

   • At the end of each Epoch, there is a rotation of validators.

   • Old validators are removed from the Validators Pool.

   • New Validators are randomly selected from the top-voted candidates of the Voting step.

4. Reward Distribution:

   • The consensus mechanism is responsible for distributing rewards.

   • The reward for a block consists of two parts:

     • A base part, which depends on the block height (Kaon has a modified halving algorithm).

     • The cumulative spent gas of all transactions included in the block.

5. Recipients of Rewards:

   • The Validator who proposed the accepted block.

   • Master Nodes that voted by placing their stakes on the block.

   • 30% of the reward is allocated to the Treasury.