Abstract: A control unit for processing modules of an integrated circuit for data processing includes at least one control module which is formed by a control operator and a gating means which exchanges input/output semaphores with upstream and downstream control modules and/or with processing modules. Each control operator, controlled by its gating means, receives microinstructions from an upstream control module and supplies microinstructions to one or more downstream control modules and/or microcommands to a downstream processing module. The control operator may comprise either a sequencer and a memory or a programmable logic array. The exchanges being controlled by the semaphores, each control module incorporates self-clocking sequencing. The control unit enables a modular design for the integrated circuit for data processing.