The L5972D can handle a maximum input voltage of 30V, but it's recommended to keep it below 28V for reliable operation.
The inductor value depends on the output voltage, output current, and switching frequency. A good starting point is to use the inductor value calculation formula provided in the datasheet, and then adjust based on the specific application requirements.
The EN (enable) pin is used to turn the device on and off. It's an active-high input, so connect it to a logic high (e.g., VCC) to enable the device, and connect it to a logic low (e.g., GND) to disable it.
Make sure to provide adequate heat sinking and airflow around the device, and avoid operating it in high-temperature environments. The recommended operating temperature range is -40°C to 150°C.
The main difference is the output voltage range: the L5972D has a fixed output voltage of 5V, while the L5973D has an adjustable output voltage (1.2V to 15V). The L5973D also has a slightly higher maximum output current (3A vs 2A for the L5972D).