Abstract: A branch instruction processing unit executes a branch-on-count (BCT) instruction for loop control of a program by means of pipeline control. The unit includes a memory for storing the number of loops for each BCT instruction, a first storage register for storing the output of the memory, a detection circuit for detecting if the output of the memory is a "1" while the output is stored in the first storage register, a second storage register for storing the output of the first storage register, and a branch judgement circuit which judges if each instruction is taken in response to the detection of a "1" by the detection circuit while the output of the first storage register is being stored in the second storage register.