AWS SDK for PHP

Hi guys,

I'm finding fewer resources than I'd expect on how to use the AWS SDK for PHP with CodeIngniter, and I need some guidance...
I'm running CI3 and downloaded the SDK, but don't know where to put it or how to wrap it up in a library that I could then load in a controller.

Can anyone refer me to a good step by step tutorial?

I have see that it can be done with Composer, but while I'm not entirely against it, I'd prefer to to bring in another component.

Thanks,
Joseph.