An integrated circuit includes a memory, and the memory includes a memory plane arranged in rows and columns, and a plurality of read amplifiers connected to the columns of the memory plane. A reference path includes first and second reference columns, and a reference memory cell is connected between the first and second reference columns. A reference row is connected to the reference memory cell for selection thereof so that the first reference column conducts a discharge current and the second reference column conducts a leakage current. A control circuit is connected between the first and second reference columns and the read amplifiers. The control circuit provides an activation signal to the read amplifiers when an absolute value of a difference between voltages on the first and second reference columns exceeds a threshold.