Agentic AI Reference Architecture

Knowledge & Data · Software component

Confidence-Gated Retrieval Controller

Software componentKnowledge & DataKnowledge & Dataarc:ConfidenceGatedRetrievalController

An adaptive retrieval controller that first generates a parametric answer with an LLM self-rated confidence and triggers retrieval only when confidence falls below a threshold or an always-retrieve pattern matches.

Responsibility. Gates retrieval on the model's self-assessed answer confidence.

Also known as: Confidence-based retrieval decision

Variant of Adaptive Retrieval Controller abstract

When to choose. Choose when a simple gate suffices and the model's self-assessed certainty is reasonably calibrated; combine with pattern rules and periodic audits to catch miscalibration.

is evaluated byspecializesinvokesalternative toConfidence Calibration Analyzer: is evaluated byConfidence Calibration A…Adaptive Retrieval Controller: specializesAdaptive Retrieval Contr…Parametric Answer Generator: invokesParametric Answer Genera…Query-Type Retrieval Router: alternative toQuery-Type Retrieval Rou…
Direct neighbourhood (hover for relationship types)

Relationships

invokes dependency

is evaluated by assurance

alternative to variability

Design guidance

Quantitative guidance

As stated by the sources; verify before use.

Classification

Patterns
Verbalized (self-assessed) confidenceConfidence threshold gating
Risks mitigated
Retrieval when unnecessary (false positives)

Sources

  1. Ch6.6: T. Nguyen, "Query Decomposition and Adaptive Retrieval," in Mastering Agentic AI Systems: Guide for the NVIDIA NCP-AAI Exam, 1st ed. 2026, ch. 6.6. ISBN: 9798244538229.