A method and circuit for accessing data bits in a memory array in a multi-data rate operation. In one architecture, a memory device includes a memory array for storing data values, multiple (N) sensing circuits, multiple (K) control lines, and an I/O pad. One sensing circuit couples to each data value being retrieved from the memory device. The I/O pad operatively couples to the sensing circuits. And each control line couples to at least one sensing circuit and has a clock phase unique from remaining control lines.