Most of the tank electronics will have their own naming system. Pretty much just identifying the models. Ours are currently just motherboards atm until we release the new one Tamiya as well has a naming system for their tank electronics such as DMD-XX or similar (I'm sure a Tamiya guy will step in and clarify the model numbers).
Aftermarket systems such as the IBU2, Clark, BARC (from YHR here on the forums), ElMod and similar will all have different naming schemes. The purpose of the tank controllers is to handle things like:
-independent track control
-turret rotation (or traverse if the tank is equipped)
-elevation
-recoil (if equipped)
-airsoft (if equipped)
-sound system
-smoke unit (if installed/equipped)
-lighting (headlights, tail lights, warning lights, etc.)
-infrared battle system (if equipped)

I'm sure there is something I forgot in there, but that is what most controllers need to handle. Some are specialized more towards the IR crowd, some are focused more towards sounds, some have PC interfaces to make things simpler, etc. Each has its own pros and cons. The boards I mentioned all have a vendor presence here on the forums except Tamiya, but there are plenty of guys here to help with those questions if needed too. Anything specific you want to ask about them?