A method and apparatus for processing pipelined command packets in a packetized memory device. The command packets are initially stored in one of several command units, and the commands are subsequently coupled to a common command processor for execution. The command units each include a latch for storing a command packet, a counter, and a start command generator. The counter is preloaded with a count corresponding to the timing that the command is received at a location within the memory device. The counter begins counting responsive to a flag bit received with the command packet. The start command generator receives the count of the counter, and decodes different counts depending on the type of command (e.g., a "read" or a "write") and the speed of a clock signal that is used to control the operation of the memory device. When the start command generator decodes a count, it latches command bits of the applied command packet and generates a start command signal. Thus, the start command signal is generated after the flag signal by a delay that corresponds to the type of memory command and the clock speed. The latched command bits and the start command signal are applied to a command processor that executes the commands in a pipeline using a sequencer to generate a sequence of timing signals, and generates command signals from the latched command bits. The specific timing signal used is a function of the type of memory operation corresponding to the command bits and the clock speed. The command processor generates and applies an acknowledgment signal to the command unit upon receipt of the start command signal. The command unit is available to receive a new command upon receipt of the acknowledgment signal.