The traditional power system dominated by synchronous generators is gradually evolving into a power system with high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). In this paper

the new characteristics that arise from the high penetration of IBRs in power systems are reviewed. In light of these characteristics

current simulation technologies are inadequate and new requirements for the simulation platforms have been proposed. In response

this paper introduces the rapid system prototype (RSP)-based physical simulation platforms

which include the digital simulator

the rapid prototype controller

and the rapid object-controlled prototype. RSP addresses the time-consuming and labour-intensive shortcomings of traditional simulation techniques and meets the rapid evolution needs of the power system with high penetration of IBRs. Compared with existing simulation platforms

RSP is a more suitable platform for the physical simulation of power systems with high penetration of IBRs. Using the modular multilevel converter-based high-voltage direct current as a case study

a novel physical simulation platform for power systems based on RSP is constructed. Experimental results demonstrate that the RSP concept and technology can establish an enterprise-level simulation environment and engineering practice platform. Moreover

it can provide realistic and flexible simulations of various characteristics of power systems with high penetration of IBRs.