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AVS Middleware Contracts

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Comparison of AVS Types

FeatureValidatorAVSGatewayAVS
PurposeFor validators with minimal setup changesFor operators handling preconfirmations
RegistrationSimple operator registrationRequires BLS key registration
Slashing RiskNo slashing riskCan be slashed for missed duties
DutiesBasic block proposalPreconfirmation tasks
State ManagementBasic operator trackingComplex state with BLS keys
RewardsFrom block proposalsFrom preconfirmation fees
Software RequirementsBasic ETH client + Commit-boostAdvanced pricing & preconf logic
Setup ComplexityBasic EL + CL setupSophisticated Gateway setup

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ValidatorAVS External Functions

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Registration Functions

function registerValidators(
    bytes[][] calldata valPubKeys,
    address[] calldata podOwners,
    bytes[] calldata delegatedGatewayPubKeys
) external

Registers multiple validators for multiple pod owners in a single transaction. Each validator must be active in EigenLayer and the pod owner must have an active EigenPod. The function also handles self-delegation scenarios where the pod owner acts as their own GatewayAVS operator.

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Opt-Out Functions

function initiateValidatorOptOut(
    bytes32 pubkey,
    uint256 signatureExpiry
) external

Initiates the opt-out process for a validator. Only registered operators can call this function. Starts the cooldown period before the validator can fully opt out.

function confirmValidatorOptOut(
    bytes32 pubkey
) external

Confirms a validator’s opt-out after the cooldown period has elapsed. Can be called by anyone once the cooldown is complete.

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Batch Operations

function batchInitiateValidatorOptOut(
    bytes32[] calldata pubkeys,
    uint256 signatureExpiry
) external

Batch version of initiateValidatorOptOut for multiple validators. Requires caller to be a registered operator.

function batchConfirmValidatorOptOut(
    bytes32[] calldata pubkeys
) external

Batch version of confirmValidatorOptOut for multiple validators. Can be called after cooldown period.

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Reward Management

function handleValidatorRewards(
    IRewardsCoordinator.OperatorDirectedRewardsSubmission calldata submission,
    uint256 validatorAmount
) external

Handles validator-based reward distribution logic. Can only be invoked by the gateway AVS during reward distribution. Distributes rewards among operators proportional to their validator count.

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GatewayAVS External Functions

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Registration Functions

function registerOperatorToAVSWithPubKey(
    address operator,
    bytes memory blsKey,
    ISignatureUtils.SignatureWithSaltAndExpiry memory operatorSignature
) external

Registers a new gateway operator with their BLS public key. The operator must provide a valid signature proving control of both their address and BLS key.

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Reward Management

function handleGatewayRewards(
    IRewardsCoordinator.OperatorDirectedRewardsSubmission calldata submission,
    uint256 gatewayAmount
) external

Handles distribution of gateway rewards to operators. Calculates and distributes rewards based on operator performance and stake.

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Operator Management

function updateOperatorPubKey(
    address operator,
    bytes memory newBlsKey,
    ISignatureUtils.SignatureWithSaltAndExpiry memory operatorSignature
) external

Updates the BLS public key for an existing gateway operator. Requires a valid signature proving control of both the operator address and new BLS key.

function recordPreconfirmation(
    address operator,
    bytes32 blockHash,
    bytes memory signature
) external

Records a preconfirmation from a gateway operator. Used to track operator performance and calculate rewards.

function recordSlashing(
    address operator,
    uint256 amount
) external

Records slashing for a gateway operator who failed to fulfill their duties. Only callable by authorized slashing contracts.

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Architecture Overview

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Events

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ValidatorAVS Events

event ValidatorRegistered(
    address indexed operator,
    uint256 registrationTime
);

event ValidatorDeregistered(
    address indexed operator
);

event StakeRecorded(
    address indexed operator,
    uint256 amount
);

event UnstakeRecorded(
    address indexed operator,
    uint256 amount
);

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GatewayAVS Events

event GatewayRegistered(
    address indexed operator,
    bytes blsKey,
    uint256 registrationTime
);

event GatewayDeregistered(
    address indexed operator
);

event PubKeyUpdated(
    address indexed operator,
    bytes newBlsKey
);

event PreconfirmationRecorded(
    address indexed operator,
    bytes32 blockHash
);

event SlashingRecorded(
    address indexed operator,
    uint256 amount
);

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Integration with EigenLayer

Both contracts inherit from EigenLayerMiddleware and implement required interfaces:

contract ValidatorAVS is IServiceManager, EigenLayerMiddleware {
    // Implementation
}

contract GatewayAVS is IServiceManager, EigenLayerMiddleware {
    // Implementation
}

This ensures proper integration with EigenLayer’s core functionality while maintaining distinct responsibilities for each AVS type.