Abstract: A memory (400) returns all bit lines to a predetermined voltage level optimum for subsequent fast sensing. The memory (400) includes precharge circuitry (106, 108, 110) which begins the precharge operation during the latching phase of a prior access. The precharge circuitry (106, 108, 110) precharges all bit lines, rather than a selected bit line, to the predetermined voltage level prior to address decoding. In order to prevent "walk-up", the memory (400) includes circuitry such as a switched capacitor (138, 140) which draws current from the bit lines to reduce the voltage on a bit line which drove a logic high level in an earlier cycle or which had an increased voltage due to capacitive cross-coupling to an adjacent bit line. The memory (400) may also include devices such as transmission gates (142, 144, 146) to couple together adjacent bit lines and thereby more evenly distribute the precharging.