The maximum input voltage that can be applied to the L78M05ACDT is 35V, although it's recommended to keep it below 30V for reliable operation.
To ensure stability, make sure to use a minimum output capacitance of 2.2uF, and a minimum input capacitance of 0.33uF. Also, keep the input and output capacitors close to the regulator.
The maximum output current that the L78M05ACDT can deliver is 500mA, although it's recommended to keep it below 400mA for reliable operation.
To protect the L78M05ACDT from overheating, make sure to provide adequate heat sinking, and keep the junction temperature below 150°C. You can also use a thermal shutdown circuit to turn off the regulator if it overheats.
No, the L78M05ACDT is a linear regulator and is not designed for switching regulator applications. It's intended for use in low-power, low-dropout applications where high efficiency is not critical.