Decentralized Bridge Between Bitcoin and Ethereum
tBTC is a fully decentralized protocol that enables Bitcoin holders to mint TBTC – an ERC-20 token backed 1:1 by Bitcoin – on Ethereum. Unlike other Bitcoin bridging solutions, tBTC requires no trusted intermediaries and maintains the core values of Bitcoin as hard money.
True Decentralization
The protocol uses a network of distributed signers who are randomly selected and must provide ETH collateral. This eliminates single points of failure and ensures censorship resistance.
1:1 Bitcoin Backing
Every TBTC token is backed by exactly 1 BTC, locked in the protocol. The system maintains this peg through robust economic incentives and a carefully designed bonding mechanism.
Secure by Design
- Signers must provide 150% collateralization in ETH
- Multi-signature security using threshold ECDSA
- Automatic liquidation mechanisms protect depositors
- Economic incentives aligned across all participants
Transparent and Verifiable
All Bitcoin deposits and TBTC minting operations are fully verifiable on both chains. The protocol uses SPV proofs through Light Relays to validate Bitcoin transactions on Ethereum.
How It Works
- Depositors request to mint TBTC by sending BTC to a generated address
- A randomly selected group of signers secure the deposit with ETH collateral
- Once confirmed, depositors receive TBTC tokens
- TBTC can be redeemed for the original BTC at any time
Getting Started
Ready to bridge your Bitcoin to Ethereum? Visit our Introduction Guide to learn the step-by-step process of using tBTC.
For developers and those interested in the technical details, check out our Deep Dive section.
