Methods, systems, and devices for techniques to perform a sense operation are described. In some examples, a memory device may include a pair of transistor to precharge a digit line. A first transistor of the pair of transistors may be coupled with a first node and a second transistor of the pair of transistors may be coupled with a second node. In some cases, the first node and the second node may be selectively coupled via a transistor. The first and second transistors may be activated to precharge the first and second nodes. In some examples, a pulse may be applied to a capacitor coupled with the second node to transfer a charge to the digit line. In some cases, the cascode transistor may maintain or control the voltage of the digit line to be at or below an upper operating voltage of the memory cell.