Smoke test
Smoke test turns up in 2 fields: PCBs, electronics. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Smoke test in PCBs
First power-up of a new board, usually current-limited, to see whether anything overheats or burns.
A smoke test is the first time power goes onto a newly assembled board, normally from a bench supply with a low current limit, while the engineer watches the current, feels for hot parts and sniffs for burning. Passing only means nothing failed catastrophically. Software teams use the term for any quick basic check, but on the bench it means watching for actual smoke.
"Smoke test passed at a 100 mA limit and the rails are up, now let's see if the processor boots."
Smoke test in electronics
The initial application of power to a newly assembled circuit to check for catastrophic failures.
A smoke test is the first time a new or repaired piece of hardware is powered on. The technician applies voltage while watching, listening, and smelling for burning components, popped capacitors, or arcing. If the board does not literally catch fire or emit the magic smoke, it passes the test and can proceed to actual functional measurements.
"Stand back, I'm flipping the bench supply on for the smoke test."