Ethereum Launches Binary Tree and RISC-V, Fundamental Transformation for Scalability

Vitalik Buterin recently revealed an ambitious upgrade roadmap for Ethereum, involving two major technical transformations at the execution layer. These upgrades are designed to address fundamental limitations that hinder the network’s scalability and efficiency today. With a fundamental architectural change, Ethereum is preparing to enter a new era of processing capability and proof security.

State Tree Upgrade: Replacing Keccak MPT with Binary Tree Structure

The first upgrade focuses on transforming Ethereum’s state tree structure. Currently, Ethereum uses a hexadecimal-based Keccak Merkle Patricia Trie (MPT), but this system has limitations in storage efficiency and data verification. Vitalik proposes migrating to a cryptographic hash-based binary tree architecture that is more optimal.

Switching to a binary tree structure is expected to significantly improve network efficiency. Merkle branches will be reduced to a quarter of their current size, simplifying verification by a factor of 4. Even more impressive, overall proof efficiency is projected to increase between 3 and 100 times, depending on specific use cases. Additionally, this upgrade will reduce computational costs for accessing nearby storage slots, enhancing overall data query performance. The implementation of this feature is planned through EIP-7864, which is currently under development.

From EVM to RISC-V: A Three-Phase Transition Roadmap

The second equally important initiative is the gradual migration from the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to the RISC-V architecture. RISC-V, as an open-source and modular instruction set architecture, offers a simpler protocol design and superior proof friendliness compared to EVM. This transformation is not a sudden change but a measured plan implemented in three distinct phases.

The first phase will integrate RISC-V to handle precompile operations, which are built-in functions frequently used in Ethereum operations. The second phase allows developers to deploy contracts using the new RISC-V-based virtual machine, providing flexibility during the transition. The final phase, in the long term, will fully convert EVM into smart contracts running on the new RISC-V-based VM infrastructure. This phased strategy ensures backward compatibility and minimizes disruption to the existing ecosystem.

Impact and Targeted Efficiency Improvements for Ethereum

Both upgrades aim to create a stronger technical foundation for Ethereum’s future scalability. With binary tree state and RISC-V execution, the network will achieve much higher execution efficiency, enhanced proof capabilities, and a simpler design for protocol development. These strategic steps demonstrate Ethereum’s commitment to ongoing technical innovation, positioning the protocol to face scalability challenges and ecosystem competition in the coming era.