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Architecture Overview

For All Users

This overview explains how Silhouette's components work together. Traders can skim the diagrams and design principles. Those conducting security due diligence should review all sections.

Silhouette App​

The application where you interact with the platform. The app handles:

  • Wallet connection and authentication
  • Order placement (shielded and naked)
  • Shielded API authentication and session management
  • Real-time balance and order status display

The app communicates with HyperCore for deposit and withdrawal flows, and with Silhouette's shielded API for login, order placement, balances, and real-time events.

Hyperliquid​

Hyperliquid is the live market and transfer surface for Silhouette. In the current user flow it:

  • Receives deposits via token transfers to the Silhouette address
  • Executes shielded spot trades through delegated wallets
  • Delivers withdrawals back to user wallets on HyperCore

Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)​

The TEE hosts Silhouette's matching engine and acts as the bridge between users and Hyperliquid. It:

  • Receives and processes shielded orders
  • Executes shielded spot trades on HyperCore through delegated wallets
  • Tracks shielded account balances and order state
  • Monitors HyperCore for deposit and withdrawal events

The TEE runs in an AWS Nitro Enclave - a secure, isolated environment where the code runs confidentially. No one can access the data inside, not even the Silhouette team or AWS. For more details, see Trusted Execution Environments.

How They Work Together​

┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐     ┌──────────────┐
│             │     │                 │     │              │
│   Your      │────▶│   Silhouette    │────▶│  Hyperliquid │
│   Browser   │     │   TEE           │     │  Order Book  │
│             │◀────│                 │◀────│              │
└─────────────┘     └─────────────────┘     └──────────────┘

Deposit flow:

  1. You deposit funds from your wallet to the Silhouette address
  2. The TEE detects your deposit by monitoring HyperCore
  3. Silhouette credits your shielded account inside the service

Trading flow:

  1. You submit a shielded order through the UI
  2. The TEE processes and matches your order
  3. The TEE executes the trade on Hyperliquid via delegated wallets
  4. Silhouette updates your shielded account state and reports it back through the app/API

Withdrawal flow:

  1. You request a withdrawal through the UI
  2. The shielded service updates your account balance and initiates a transfer on HyperCore
  3. Funds return to your wallet on HyperCore

Design Principles​

Separated responsibilities. The app handles authentication and UX and the TEE handles shielded execution and account state.