Methods, systems, and devices for operating an electronic memory apparatus are described. A logic value stored in a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) cell is read onto a first sensing node of a sense amplifier. The reading is performed through a digit line coupling the FeRAM cell to the first sensing node, while the sense amplifier is in an inactive state. A second sensing node of the sense amplifier is biased to a reference voltage provided by a reference voltage source. The biasing is performed while reading the logic value stored in the FeRAM cell onto the first sensing node. The digit line is isolated from the first sensing node after the reading. The sense amplifier is activated, after isolating the digit line from the first sensing node, to amplify and sense a voltage difference between the first sensing node and the second sensing node.