Best microcontrollers and dev kits for learning register-level Embedded C (non-Arduino)

I have a basic question. What was your first platforms-ic's-dev kits that you learned embedded systems on in terms of Embedded - C.

I ask because in my education we are exposed to VHDL but never just basic register based Embedded C. So that is not to say I cannot learn but I would love some direction of where I should start to learn :-)

Thank you in advance

PS Please dont just say arduino I have used that platform before and unless you are telling me to use just the IC and use AVR I will have intrest but I would rather learn how to make librarys than just to continue to use them

The arduino is just a convenient hardware platform, you can program it in any language you like, and write libraries for it yourself, the IDE supplied to work with it is convenient for a lot of beginners, but that's all. No different from choosing any other eight bit AVR processor. If you want to try 32 bit processors, then try the arm, ST have some very cheap but capable boards in the discovery series.
cheers,
Richard

Hi Nicholas,

There are a large variety of embedded controllers out there which typically have their own flavour of IDE which allow you to code in standard embedded C. And the world is moving towards the ARM M-series so most micros now are based off on it.

I'd personally recommend checking out PSoC4200(CY8CKIT-049-42xx), you can get the kit for just 4$(the IDE is free) and the shipping should be free in the US. http://www.cypress.com/?rID=92146

Unlike traditional micros, this has a bit of analog and digital thrown in(which you can code in verilog if it tickles your fancy). There are a huge number of fun projects on it you can check out here, http://www.element14.com/community/thread/237...0-projects-in-100-days?displayFullThread=true

Its always more interesting to learn how to make your own libraries once you have a end application in mind :)

Best,
Sree Harsha