programable controller
Usually assembly language is used to program a controller. You should know the instruction set. If you dont like assembly, you can also use C language (kiel c). I think the easiest to learn are the controllers of intel 8051 family. There are many micro-controllers that are compatible to the intel 8051 like microcontrollers of atmel, DS and some controllers of philips. If your taste doesnt match with 8051, then you can go toward PIC controllers, PIC controllers are faster because of RISC architecture but i think they are difficult than intel...